"Neti Pot - A Solution For Sinus And Allergy Problems!"
A Neti Pot is a device allowing you to clean, invigorate, and protect your nasal passages through a process called 'nasal irrigation'.
This cleansing technique, which is called Jala neti in India, literally means nasal cleansing in Sanskrit.
People use these pots daily to keep their sinuses clean and to breathe easier. The goal of Jala neti is to clear the sinuses of any excess mucus and particulates that are found there.
They come in a variety of shapes; the most common one resembles the lamp that Aladdin used, in the Middle-Eastern story, “The Book of One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights).”
Google News reports on a story from KSN.com how using a Neti Pot may prove beneficial for children with allergies. According to the report, these pots eliminate 80 percent of all allergens from your child's nose.
It may look strange, and the thought of sticking a syringe up your nose may seem unpleasant, but most people become very comfortable with nasal irrigation after their first attempt.
Getting Started
Whatever Neti Pot you purchase, make sure that the tip fits your nostrils. The spout of the pot should have a tapered and conical shape. This ensures a tight fit by “plugging” the nostril and preventing any leakage of water.
Your pot should be unbreakable. You will probably take it with you as you travel, so make sure you purchase one that can stand the rigors of the road.
Preparing The Solution
You should use either an isotonic or hypertonic solution for irrigating the nasal cavity.
An isotonic solution is one with salt concentrations in it equal to what might be found in bodily fluids. A hypertonic solution is a solution that contains salt concentrations higher than found in bodily fluids.
Recent research has found using a hypertonic solution may be more effective then using a isotonic solution.
Additionally, you should add one-quarter of a teaspoon of salt to warm water. Be sure that you use warm water, as cold water may make you feel like you are drowning.
Make sure that the salt you are using does not contain iodine
Stages of Jala neti
Stage One
Many people only practice stage one of this process. This stage should always be done whether it is the only stage you do or you plan on doing the remaining stages.
Each stage may use up to 8 ounces of saline solution per nostril, though you may have to gradually work up to this level.
First of all, lean over a sink, with the head tilted sideways. Your chin and your forehead should be even with each other.
Place the spout of your Neti Pot in your upper nostril, allowing the saline solution to flow through it and out of the other nostril. Make sure you have a tight seal in the nostril containing the pot's spout.
You should breathe deeply through your mouth during this process. This ensures the water will smoothly flow from one nostril to the other.
Also, keep the mouth open wide, as that closes the passage from the nose to the mouth preventing water from entering the mouth or the throat.
When your pot is empty, refill it and repeat the process on the other side.
Stage Two
In stage two, you will wash the deeper parts of the nasal canal. It should only be done after completion of stage one.
It is probably a good idea for beginners to stay at stage one for a while, until they become more comfortable with the technique.
In stage two, water is gently sniffed into the nose, and expelled through the mouth. You should make sure that you do not swallow the water.
As in stage one, repeat the process through the other nostril.
Although this stage is more difficult, it will clean the sinus passages more thoroughly than stage one.
Individuals with sinus problems may not see any improvements until they reach this stage.
Stage Three
Before beginning stage three, make sure you have completed stages one and two.
In this stage, you will take water from your Neti Pot into the mouth, and out of the nose, one nostril at a time.
Very few individuals are able to do stage three. You may only see marginal improvements over the benefits you received from stage two.
Completing the Cleansing
After completing jala neti, it is important you eliminate any water that might remain in your nose.
There are a number of techniques by which this may be done.
The first technique involves bending over at the waist, thus allowing any excess water to drain out, while simultaneously breathing quick breaths out of the mouth in succession.
You may have to blow your nose to clear the nasal passages of water. Just make sure you do not close one of the nostrils as you do this, as it may force water into areas that do not dry easily.
Thoroughly clean your Neti Pot after each use. Periodically sanitize it by washing at in your dishwasher.
Do not share it with anyone else.
Conclusion
Here in the United States, sinus problems are the most common reason for visiting a physician.
With air pollution continuing to worsen, these pollutants may act as triggers for those suffering from asthma, allergies, or sinus problems.
Around the world, practitioners of alternative medicine recommend everyone employ a daily routine of nasal cleansing as part of a overall health maintenance program.
We hope that you enjoy your Neti Pot!
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