Nasal congestion is a common symptom of colds and allergies.
For centuries, Indian yogis used the neti pot for nasal irrigation or jala neti. This ancient ayurvedic practice was a part of their daily cleansing routine. The neti pot reached the United States in the 1970s as a meditation aid. Since then, it has been embraced by those who suffer nasal congestion from allergies, sinus problems and colds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47 million American adults suffer allergies and sinus discomfort. If you count yourself among them, the neti pot may be the solution you have been seeking.
Instructions
1. Pour 16 oz. of warm water into a neti pot. You may use purified water, but this is not a requirement.
2. Test the water temperature against your inner wrist as you would baby formula. Water that is overly warm may damage the delicate nasal passages. Cold water may give the unpleasant sensation of drowning.
3. Add 1 tsp. of non-iodized salt into the neti pot and stir with a spoon until the salt is completely dissolved. If you achieve the proper concentration of salt to water and the right temperature you will hardly feel the water as it passes through your nasal passages.
4. Stand in front of a sink, outside or in the shower. Bend forward from the waist until your upper body is at a 45-degree angle.
5. Tilt your head to one side. Make sure that your nose is positioned lower than the rest of your head.
6. Insert the nozzle of the neti pot into your top nostril. The angle of the neti pot's spout should follow the line of your nasal passage so that the flow of water is not obstructed.
7. Pour half of the salt solution into your nostril. Pour slowly and continue to breathe normally through your mouth. You do not want to inhale the water -- let it flow into the top nostril, through your nasal passage, and out of the bottom nostril.
8. Stand up and gently blow your nose on both sides to remove mucus and water. Take care not to blow your nose with too much pressure because it can force water into places you do not want it to go.
9. Tilt your head the other way. Repeat the process with your other nostril on top.
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