I couldn’t be without this, especially when travelling into cities.

 

It is done using a neti pot. This is generally made of plastic and can be purchased from yoga suppliers or pharmacies.

 

Take your pot and fill it with warm sterilised water, adding Himalayan salt, or neti salt.

 

A pinch of salt is enough depending on the size of your neti pot.

 

Over a sink insert the spout of the neti into one nostril, tilting your head slightly to the side and allow the water to pour in flowing through the other nostril. Don’t tilt your head back otherwise the water will enter your mouth. Once all the water is out push your thumb or finger closing off one nostril at a time blowing out all the water. Then repeat other side. Keep blowing your nose vigorously once both sides are complete to remove all the excess water.

 

If you’re new to this, then don’t be alarmed if you find water dripping out for a while after. This can happen. It will stop!

 

You can practise this when it suits you. I find it best first thing in the morning, and/or evening.

 

After your neti cleansing I advise you not to go outside straight away if it’s cold.

 

This can give you a headache. Also the nostrils will be more sensitive having just been cleaned.

 

This is such a simple technique yet so effective, helping you prevent sore throats, inflammations and headaches.

 

Another daily ritual which is a must for me if tongue cleansing.

 

Using a tongue scraper, scrap from the back of your tongue and gently pull the scrapper forward.

 

You really need to do this first thing in the morning before eating or drinking so you avoid swallowing the toxins.

 

By scrapping you remove the attached coatings and food residues. Built up toxins are the things which cause morning breath.

 

Oil Pulling is another mouth cleansing technique. This is also known as Kavala.

 

You can use coconut oil, olive oil or sesame. I prefer coconut.

 

Take a teaspoon of the oil into your mouth. Leave it in for five minutes to begin with, then build up your time to 20 minutes. Swish the oil around the mouth again. This is best first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

 

Oil pulling draws out the toxins in your body, primarily to improve overall health.

 

When the oil is in your mouth be gentle, as you are aiming for 20 minutes.

 

You will notice the oil will double in size as you create more saliva. Be sure not to swallow as you will draw the toxins back into the body.

 

Spit the oil out into the tissue paper and not in your sink as you may block the pipes.

 

At first you may feel the oil very strange in your mouth but give it several attempts as the benefits are too great to give up.

 

Its benefits include making your teeth whiter, reducing cavities and preventing gingivitis. It will result in stronger teeth and gums, improve your sinuses and help with acne, psoriasis and eczema.