dhyana Center of health sciences

The nasal passages are lined with a thin layer of mucus and are one of our body's first lines of defense against disease. Let's face it, we deal with a lot more pollution than we used to. Nasal rinsing helps keep this layer of mucus moist, clean and healthy. Regular use can help stop accumulation of old mucus and maintain healthy secretions of the ear, nose and throat, often relieving sinus pressure.

Nasal rinsing can be as routine as brushing your teeth. Do it anytime to:

• Remove excess mucus due to congestion.
• Rid nostrils of pollen and other allergens.
• Cleanse the nasal passages of dust, smoke or other airborne contaminants.
• Relieve nasal dryness due to air travel.
• Improve flow of breath before doing relaxation or meditation techniques.
• Enhance memory and intuition.

Most sinus problems fall into three categories: acute, chronic and allergenic (which could be both acute and chronic). Acute sinus problems often come about from seasonal allergies, a cold, or the flu, and are seen as a temporary condition. Chronic sinus problems are often long term, quite possibly from allergies, climate changes, or from a completely unknown source. For long periods of time the sinuses seem to be inflamed and filled with muscous. Allergen sinuses are simply that - from allergies which can be a temporary condition if it's a summer airborne allergy or chronic if it's an undiagnoised allergy. Headaches and sinus pressure can be associated with all three categories. Whichever category describes you best, you will find sinus relief after using a nasal pot.