Neti Pot

Did you know that a simple device called a neti pot can allow you to cleanse your sinuses and wash away allergens and bacteria?

The neti pot has been used for centuries in the practice of Jala Neti.

Jala Neti is the formal name for the ancient Yogic practice of using a salt water solution to clean the nasal cavities and prepare the user for meditation. This practice developed under the belief that the nose was a primary entrance way for diseases to enter the body. The neti pot is designed to allow the user to flush a stream of water through one nostril and exit out the other. This simple concept effectively washes away allergens,pollutants, and thickened excess mucus that entraps bacteria.

Chronic sinus problems can be caused or aggravated by the accumulation of excess mucus and the undesirable effect of having material trapped against the membranes of the nasal cavities. The neti pot has a specially designed spout which is similar in concept to a tea pot, however the end of the neti pot spout is designed to allow for a water tight fit against the user's nostril.

This form of nasal irrigation is best performed by leaning forward over a sink, and the user simply holds their head downward with the chin resting towards the chest. The nostril pot is then fitted against one nostril and tilted so as to allow water to flow into the nose. The user should turn their head to face the neti pot, while keeping the chin down and making the necessary adjustments to allow the water to freely exit the open nostril. The technique is then repeated by simply swapping the pot to the other side and flushing back through the other nostril.

While the notion of running a stream of salt water through your nose may seem uncomfortable, the actual practice is not unpleasant at all. Usually after doing the technique once or twice the user will learn the optimum head position and will not experience any discomfort. The user can still breathe through their mouth normally and if one resists the urge to swallow the salt water will not run into one's throat.

The salt water or saline solution is usually mixed so as to keep the saline concentration close to the normal levels that are naturally present in the body. Users should note that the salt used should be non-iodized salt. The mix rate is normally about 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the average neti pot. Commercially prepared and pre-packaged neti pot salt is available and the beginner can usually find neti pot kits that offer free salt packets with the pot.

Those new to the practice of Jala Neti should be aware that plain water can cause stinging as can water with excessive saline. The key here is to experiment and find the optimum level.

After the procedure, it is advisable to ensure your nose has throughly drained. This can usually be done by simply leaning forward while over the sink. You may keep a tissue handy and slightly exhale through each nostril using the tissue to catch any excess water. Cleaning your sinuses with a neti pot can help you maintain better sinus health and help manage chronic sinus problems.