Originally a yogic tradition  nasal wash, nasal douching, nasal irrigation or "jala-neti" is very effective in  sinusitis-allergic or infective, post nasal drip and even post-sinus surgery to clean nasal passages and easy breathing.

Randomized controlled trials (General of family practice by Dr Rabago) shows that it improves symptoms of sinusitis and quality of life, with decreased use of medications.

Alternatively saline nasal sprays can also be used to clean the nose and sinuses.

**Hyper tonic saline used in nasal irrigation improves drainage of secretion by:-

• Improving mucocilliary clearance ( Sinuses are lined by respiratory epithelium with Goblet cells to secretes mucus (forming mucus blanket) and cilia (fine hair like structure) to help trap and propel pollutant and bacteria outward to nose through osteum (opening) of sinuses.
• Helps in thinning of mucus.
• Possibly reduce inflammation.

Procedure for nasal douching-

You will find so many articles written on procedure and some are very cumbersome but believe me it is very simple, there is no need of sophisticated equipments- "It is saline that works not equipment".

1. Take  slightly warm water in a bowl or "jala-neti pot"
2. Add 1/2 teaspoonful of salt and a pinch of sodium bicarbonate and mix well.
3. Pour some into the palm of your hand and sniff into your nose, alternatively you can use "chip syringe or bulb syringe" or "simple 10 cc syringe" to gently push solution into your nose.
4. Let your nose drain by it's own first, you can very gently blow one nostril at a time keeping other nostril closed. Do not blow forcefully.
5. Repeat procedure at least 3 times on each side.

It is amazing to see the smiling patients with easy breathing. Saline irrigation should be included in daily hygiene of people with sinusitis or post nasal drip with brushing of teeth.