The Wonder of the Neti Pot

Sinus and allergy sufferers know all too well the tightness across the forehead and the echo of the bass drum pounding directly behind the eyes. They're also intimate with the feeling of having a liquefied brain that sloshes forward when bending or leaning. While sinus, allergy, and headache medications attempt to temporarily rebuild the quality of life eroded by the constant headaches, there is another option which yields longer, more beneficial results, the neti pot.

Sinus glands are located directly beneath each eye, between the eye and nose, and above the nose in the center of the forehead. As allergens and sinus irritation spawn mucus in the sinus cavity, the sinus glands make convenient locations for the thick, oxygen blocking substance to pool. Pooled mucus works much like puddle rain water which stagnates after sitting idle. When sinus glands are full of pooled mucus, they cause the face to become puffy and tender in those areas. The inability of air to move freely through the sinus and nasal passages makes sleeping difficult and prompts ferocious headaches.

Allergists have long endorsed sinus irrigation as worthwhile treatment for allergy sufferers. Flushing warm water, saline, and/or mild Epsom salt through the sinus glands eliminates the pressure and tightness caused by pooled mucus and allows air to move more freely. The downside is the method of sinus irrigation most allergists prescribe. Squeeze bottles similar to ketchup bottles force the water through the passages and often cause irritation. Rushing water through the sinus passages gives the feeling of drowning and often leaves residual water behind to pool in the glands.

The neti pot is an ancient tool that originated in India, spread through Europe, and has been increasingly popular in the United States over the last several years. Resembling Aladin's lamp, the neti pot allows warm water to gently trickle into one side of the nose, tenderly flow through the sinus glands, and then exit on the opposite side of the nose taking the mucus with it as it goes. The result is a soothing cleansing instead of a forced pressure wash of the nose.

Continued use of over-the-counter or prescribed allergy and sinus medications work better with open sinus glands and produce results that are more visible to the sufferer. The ability to breathe and sleep better, along with fewer headaches and facial sensitivity produce an improved quality of life that can't be understated. The neti pot is a simplistically designed tool that provides wondrous results to those willing to use it daily.