Neti Pot For Sinus Health

Ok, I know what you are going too ask! Why in the world would a sane person put a pot spout into one's nostril and let water run out of the other nostril? This does sound weird, but to those who suffer from sinus trouble, the action is necessary for feeling better and good health.

Neti originated in India, but now has spread over the world and is practiced daily by many people to stay healthy and free from nasal congestion. Neti allows one to breath easier and more freely according to the practitioners. Here is how Neti is done.

Using lukewarm salt water, the spout of the Neti Pot is placed into one nostril and the water is allowed to run through the nasal passages washing away pollens, viruses, mucus, and bacteria. The solution empyies throught the other nostril. It is not as uncomfortable as you might think. Sometimes, people will use herbs and oils mixed into the solution. The rinsing should be continued for about three minutes.

There are all kinds of Neti Pots from clay to stainless steel. Choose one that is right for you, but make sure the spout is a smoothly conical shaped tip. This will keep spillage too a minimum. Make sure the tip fits securely into the nostril.

Here are some instructions to aid in the use of the Neti Pot.

1. Prepare the saline solution (*) with lukewarm water and fill the neti pot. Hot water is irritating and dangerous. Cool water is not soothing.

2. Tilt your head to the side as shown in the picture at the beginning of this article..

3. Insert spout of neti pot gently into the raised nostril creating a seal between the neti pot and the nostril. If it drains out of your mouth, lower your forehead in relation to your chin. Relax. If you are calm, the water flows right through. But if you aren't, it just won't flow. If you keep breathing through your mouth, relaxed, the water should gently flow through the nose on its own. There's no forcing it.

4. Raise the neti pot slowly to develop a steady flow of saline solution through the upper nostril and out the lower nostril.

5. During the process breathe through your mouth.

6. When you're done, exhale firmly several times to clear the nasal passages.

7. Reverse the tilt of your head and repeat the process on the other side.

Good luck and may the Neti be with you!

Dave