The Netti Pot Solution
26 Aug 2008
Simple and Effective way to keep the sniffles at bay
Most of us have had to deal with the discomfort of a runny nose or worse, the debilitative and sometimes painful nasal congestion that makes us wish for a miracle cure. Many of us have chronic blocked sinuses or asthmatic conditions where every day is a battle to breathe properly - something that we should be able to take for granted.
Most of us have also not heard of the Netti Pot / Neti Pot.
The air we breathe has all kind of things that we may be susceptible to; pollen in the air, dust and dust mites, pollutants and chemicals or other particulates that have become so much a part of our lives. All of this passes through our nasal passages and usually we are no worse for it. There are times, however, when our bodies are overwhelmed and we get either a runny nose or a blocked one.
Quite a few of us load up on medicines that keep us functional but, inevitably, have their own side-effects. All contributing to a very low quality of life.
Does this have to be so?
Jal Neti or nasal irrigation is an ancient Ayurvedic method of keeping the nasal passages clean and healthy. It comes from India where, as in other South Asian countries, it is practiced regularly. It involves the passing of saline warm water through the nasal passages to clear them of dirt, sometimes old and infected mucous and bacteria. Many studies have found that this simple practice is an effective way to keep infections of the nasal passages at bay. It has been proved to make significant difference to patients suffering from chronic sinusitis and certain kinds of asthma. Hay fever, facial pain, headaches, all benefit.
A Netti Pot or Neti Pot is a container with a specially designed spout that is used for nasal irrigation. It is usually made of stainless steel, ceramic, plastic or copper. The stainless steel netti pot is of a size that holds enough saline water for a complete and thorough nasal wash. It is hygenic and clinical looking but in very cold places the water may lose its temperature too quickly. The ceramic pot is also very good, although it is breakable. The one made of plastic is useful for travel but does not age too well possibly on account of the salt that is used in the water, it also has its own smell. The copper neti pot is used by many but is subject to discolouration and so requires more care.
If you have never used the Netti Pot, you may find the idea of pouring saline water through the nostril strange and getting used to. Those who have used it know it to be a life saver. Three minutes is all that it takes to maintain a healthy and bacteria free nasal environment. No discomfort of clogged nasal passages, blocked sinuses and multiplying bacteria.The water should be comfortably warm and the salt (non-iodised, preferably sea salt) should be such that the solution tastes like tears. If this is right, you will not even feel the saline water as it passes through the nasal passages doing its good work.
Yoga practitioners take the technique much further, they know that ‘breath’ and the way we breathe is the foundation on which our physical and mental health is built. For them, Neti or the process of nasal cleansing is a part of their lives and is also used to assist in the practice of meditation.
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