How to cleanse your nose with Yogi's NoseBuddy

Instructions are also available in pdf format.

Rinse the pot and spoon with clean hot water prior to using the first time.

1. Put one level measuring spoon of salt (4.5 g) in NoseBuddy.

Use fine-grained table or cooking salt – preferably one free of additives, such as iodine or anti-caking agents. Coarse-grained salt may be used, but make sure it fully dissolves.

We recommend using rock salt (from mines), since some people may experience reactions to sea salt, such as a stuffy or runny nose.

2. Fill the pot with clean lukewarm water up to the mark (0.5 litres).

Boil the water first (for 1 minute) and let it cool down to a comfortable temperature (lukewarm/body temperature) – or use distilled or sterilized water heated to lukewarm.

If you are on a location with temperate climate and tap water of high drinking quality, and you choose to use water straight from the tap – then always let the water run awhile (½ –1 minute) before filling the pot.

On locations with poor–quality tap water, hot climate or strongly chlorinated water, we recommend always boiling the water prior to use, or use distilled or sterilized water.

If you have dry mucous membranes (e.g. after a long flight) you can add a few drops of vegetable oil, such as almond/sesame oil, to the water. (See Keep NoseBuddy Clean.)

3. Stir the water until the salt fully dissolves.

The water now has the same salt concentration as body cells. This is an isotonic solution (0.9% salt).

The correct water temperature and salt concentration will ensure a pleasant experience.

4. Cleanse your nose.

Insert NoseBuddy’s spout into one nostril so that it fits snugly. Breathe gently through your mouth.

Lean forward over a sink. Tilt your head slightly to one side, with the pot following the same angle, so that the water runs in through one nostril and out the other.

Pour half a pot in through each nostril. Gently blow your nose after cleansing to each side (see step 6).

If your nose needs more thorough cleansing, use a full pot for each nostril.

5. Let the water run out.

Bend forward, your head and arms hanging down loosely.

Allow the excess water to run out of your nose. Dab with a tissue.

If you’re familiar with yoga, you may enhance the effect by doing a yoga pose like the Clown or the Headstand.*

6. Blow your nose.

Stand up and gently blow each nostril separately. Avoid vigorous blowing.

Finish with the Blacksmith’s Bellows breathing exercise:

7. The Blacksmith’s Bellows

Sit with your back and head upright, place your index and middle finger on your forehead (see illustration).

Determine which nostril is most open and shut the other nostril, using either thumb or ring finger.

Breathe in and out rapidly through the open nostril twenty times.

Inhale fully and hold your breath for as long as is comfortable, by closing both nostrils. While holding your breath, let the air press gently in your nose. If congested, hold your breath longer.

Finally, exhale slowly through the same nostril. Repeat on the other side and do the whole sequence twice more on each side.

For maximum benefit or when suffering from congestion, sinusitis, allergies or asthma, always do the Blacksmith’s Bellows* after nose cleansing.

*) For more information about the Clown or Headstand yoga poses, or detailed instruction about the Blacksmith’s Bellows breathing exercise, see Swami Janakananda’s book, Yoga, Tantra and Meditation in Daily Life or contact the Scandinavian Yoga and Meditation School.