Okay, disclaimer, right off the top. I'm discussing nasal mucus. No particular reason, except that I've been plagued with a sinus infection for about 2 weeks, and well, it's kind of on my mind. Literally!I first heard about nasal washing while I was studying for my Yoga certification. Jal Neti (nose rinsing) is part of the broader philosophy and practice of yoga, and is explained thus:
"Hatha yoga is a branch of the yogic science, concerned with the
harmonization of forces with the mind and body. The way for its practitioners to achieve the harmony is through various methods of physical and mental cleansing, with one of them being nose rinsing." From www.netiwashnow.com
I was intrigued by the idea, but not ready to try it. Probably should have, because the sinuses remain one of my 'weak links' in terms of the occasional infection after years of chronic childhood hay fever and allergies.
I finally gave this a try a while ago when my mom suggested it. I didn't have the right vessel (I tried to use a cup measure, as I recall) - not effective as it lacked the proper spout and seal features noted below. Barely a drip got through and I ended up pouring saline solution all over my shoulders. I looked into buying a kit, but was a bit taken aback by the cost of the kits and solutions - after all, I was
not serving high tea, I was washing out my sinuses! Anyhow, I forgot about it for a while. My recent sinus invasion caused me to research a bit further. And the what I discovered could change the way I deal with allergies, colds and sinusitis in the future.
Here's what I sniffed out about Neti Pots
Basically, the neti pot is a small pot or other vessel with a spout. There are a variety of styles and configurations available commercially, and you can even use various household items (like a teapot) as long as the vessel has these features:
- Holds about 8 oz of liquid
- Has a spout that fits gently within a nostril to create a seal
- Pours freely
- Easy to clean
The benefits of regular use include:
- Clearing nostrils for better breathing
- Removing excess mucus (nasal congestion)
- Ridding nostrils of allergens and pollen
- Washing out soot, dust, smoke or airborne particles
- Dissolving mucus build up (i.e after air conditioning, dry climates)
Skeptics can nose around a bit further...
If you are skeptical, here is an article on Web MD with some great information. Many surgeons and physicians are recommending the procedure for care after nasal surgeries. Both Oprah Winfrey and Dr Oz have sections on their websites with instructions, information and reports of the benefits.
I found a number of "how to" videos on YouTube -- and a few videos with results that can turn your stomach if things nasal get you queasy. Usually, they tell you when it is going to be gross in the description, so search away: "neti pot demo" will give you quite a list! Here is a link to the best "how to" video I found at the Himalayan Institute's website.
One of the best tips I found on YouTube is that a squeeze bottle is just as effective as a vessel for nasal irrigation. (One guy used a water bottle - hopefully one he no longer uses at the gym!). I found a suitable bottle, and discovered that it provides a bit of gentle pressure that can be needed to get the saline flowing freely when there is lots of congestion. Eureka! I will spare you the description of the results, but suffice it to say I was doing the happy dance. After a few days of full on congested misery, a clear nose feels a bit like winning the lottery!
So I'm happy to report that I'm on the mend now, and will be doing this regularly to ward off further infections.
We'll talk soon!
