A neti pot is a device used for nasal cleansing. This device helps to prevent and heal sinus problems by flushing out toxins, germs, bacteria from the nasal passages. This device makes use of saline solution (right proportion of water & salt) to clean out impurities from nasal passages.
A practical view on neti pots & its significance in certain cases
Today, the necessity of neti pot as a device for preventing sinus problems could be questioned. However, its significance in curing sinus related problems cannot be neglected. A neti pot, as a cure for sinus related problems, can be an effective tool in following cases:
1. To cure allergy (by removing allergens )
2. To remove nasal mucus
3. To aid individuals suffering from sinusitis
4. To aid individuals suffering from certain ear disorders
Things to watch out for
While using a neti pot, do not forget to consider the following:
1. For preventing sinus problems: once a week usage is enough
2. To cure sinus & other problems: twice a day till one recovers
3. Duration of practice: 3 to 5 minutes
4. Neti pot solution: One has to take caution while administering solution for this. If one is opting for saline solution, it must be seen that salt concentration does not exceed one percent salt concentration (approx. to 1 teaspoon) per 500ml of water. Also, it is optimal to keep solution at basic temperature (body’s temperature). This will make sure that you are more comfortable without potentially irritating the inner nasal tissue. When in doubt, one can opt for warm water.
5. Caution in using: One should refrain from using this device if unable to blow nose freely (blocked nose). Clogged sinuses may worsen one’s cold on using this.
6. Individuals suffering from chronic illness or experiencing nosebleed or similar type of discomfort should use this only under specific care and consultation of medical practitioner.
7. Children should use this device only under an adult’s supervision.
8. Do not share the device: Individuals using Neti Pot are advised not to share it with anyone, in order to avoid any form of allergies.
Things to consider while using a neti pot
While using this, one is required to adhere to the pointers as aforesaid, to obtain desired results. Following points should be considered while using this, in order to enhance one’s process of ‘nasal cleaning.’
1. Choose a neti pot that matches your nostrils: One could select a neti pot with tapered conical tip at the spout end, which could provide good support to all sizes of nostrils.
2. A neti pot should enable efficient flushing of sinus: Thus, it is necessary to select a neti pot which could hold at least 500 ml of water.
3. A neti pot should be unbreakable: Prefer a stainless steel neti pot over a ceramic, copper or plastic one.
4. Refrain from using too cold water: Cold water could contract nasal passages, thus deteriorating the whole cleansing exercise.
DIY process in brief
1. Pour either saline solution (appropriate mixture of salt with water) or warm water in a neti pot.
2. With your head forward and tilting head to the left (if right nostril is the first to be cleaned), hold the neti pot spout so as to pour the solution into the first nostril
3. With your mouth slightly open for free flow of air, allow water to flow through nasal passages. Continue breathing through the mouth while the water flows to your left nostril. Continue breathing slowly even as water continues to flow.
4. Allow 30 seconds for this process. Avoid water flowing down the throat.
5. Do the same process with the other nostril.
The passage of water from one nostril to the other is a thing to be mastered through practice. When an individual pours the solution into sinuses, all the toxins present in mucus membrane of the nasal cavity are drawn out and flown out of the other nostril. But, this device should be used and done properly in order to obtain favorable results.
A neti pot could be significantly effective device for curing sinus and other aforesaid problems, if used with caution. However, beginners should consult their physicians before bringing this to usage.
