Do you neti?

I really like this neti pot because it's ceramic and dishwasher safe.  This company also sells its own non-iodized salt packets.  You can find both at Whole Foods or other natural food/health stores.

According to macrobiotics our bodies react to the seasons.  I don't know about you guys but the constant weather changes from Fall to Spring has really been taking a toll on my sinuses.  I've been getting a lot of sinus headaches from the California weather jumping from 70 to 40 degrees in one day.  So I looked for a "non-motrin" solution and came across the neti pot.  At first I was very skeptical about it's effectiveness and quite frankly, thought it would be pretty gross and painful.  But I really needed a solution and gave it a go.  It totally trumped all my expectations and I've been using it daily for the past 2 weeks :)  After the first day I noticed a huge improvement!  I could breathe better and my headaches went away.  Oh and I have super smelling power lol!  It's painless, easy, and very effective.  For those of you having any sinus problems or just want to improve your hygiene try the neti pot.  Here's some more info for you guys to help make your decision ;)


What is Neti?
It's a practice of nasal irrigation that has been used by practitioners of Yoga and Ayurveda in India for over 5,000 years. Not only is it an ancient health secret that is used to move our energy through the nasal passages, opening them up along the way, but it is also recommended by doctors, naturopaths and other health professionals such as Dr. Oz.  The practice of neti, or nasal cleansing, is performed using a ceramic pot and a saline solution. Performed regularly, it can help clear mucus from the nasal canal, restore moisture to dried out tissues, tone nasal tissues and help the nasal passages remain clear and healthy. 


Who should use the neti pot?
As I mentioned before, it's a great way to improve your hygiene but also to alleviate certain discomforts in the sinus area.  It's been shown to help treat colds, allergies, post-nasal drip, and sinus headaches.  The nasal passages are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dirt, dust, and pollen and moves steadily to the rear of the nasal cavity and settles in the throat where it is swallowed.  Saline nasal rinses carry some of these impurities out of the body before they reach the stomach.  It also keeps the protective layer of mucus functioning properly. 


How do you use a neti pot?

1. I like to use water from my Brita filter.  What I do is pour 1 cup into a glass measuring cup that's microwavable.  Heat it in the microwave for 42 seconds.  You can also boil 1 cup water and wait for it to cool, or of course use warm tap water.
2. Stir in 1/4 tsp of the non-iodized salt into the warm water and pour into your neti pot.
3. Lean over the sink and tilt your head to the side until your chin is aligned to your shoulder.  
4. Insert the spout of the pet gently into the raised nostril and create a seal between the pot and your nostril.
5. Raise the pot slowly to develop a steady flow of saline solution through the upper nostril and out the lower nostril.  During the process be sure to breathe through your mouth.  You may need to adjust the angle of your head to avoid saline draining into your mouth.  Pour half of the solution in this side.
6. Reverse and til your head and repeat the process on the other side with the remaining solution in the pot.
7. Upon completion of the process, either exhale several times in the sink through your nose or  blow into a tissue (be sure not to pinch your nose if using a tissue).

Tips for using Neti Pot

• Make sure you measure out the right amount of water and salt.  A lot of times people think that putting just a dash of salt will help make the process less uncomfortable.  It's actually the total opposite.  Our body is made of salt and water and if there's an unbalance in the mixture you will definitely feel burning, trust me I made that mistake :P
• Always use warm water.  Test out the temperature with your finger.  It should be warm to the touch, not cold or hot.
• Only use non-iodized salt.
• Be sure to breathe through your mouth slowly during the process.
• Make sure after the process when you blow into the tissue to not pinch and close your nostrils.   Point is to blow the saline out of the passage.
• I like to use the neti once a day before I go to bed but people use it in the morning and sometimes both night and day.  I think it all depends on how much you feel you need to use it.  But don't use it more than 3 times a day.
• Don't try to watch yourself in the mirror while you do it! hahaha I know you will be tempted to see how ridiculous you look :)  But just stare down or straight ahead because if you try to look at yourself in the mirror you'll tilt your chin up and get some saline in your mouth because of the angle.