The Netti Pot Blog

Simple and Effective - Netti Pot way to keep the sniffles at bay

Most of us have had to deal with 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.

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.

We load up on medicines that keep us functional but which, 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, as do cough and cold.

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.

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 every day 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 procedure 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 an integral part of their lives and is often used to assist in advanced meditative techniques.

For you and I, a simple nasal wash with the Netti Pot can make all the difference between feeling miserable and easy breathing.

Technorati Tags: jal neti, nasal cleansing, nasal irrigation, neti, neti pot, netti pot

The Neti Pot also known as Netti Pot is used for Neti, an old technique for nasal irrigation. It involves the pouring of warm saline water through the nostrils. It helps to clear out the mucous and other particulates present in the nasal passages. It also helps to keep the passages bacteria free, thus helping one to breathe freely and letting the body take steps towards boosting its defence mechanisms and regaining good health.

Dissolve the salt in warm water in a Neti Pot, lean over a sink with your head bent forward and tilted to one side and pour the solution through the upper nostril. It will come out of the lower nostril along with any mucous that may be present in the nasal passages. Breathe through your mouth while doing this.

Exhale to allow any water that is left in the nose to come out and repeat the process with the other nostril.

I found some excellent information at ‘Advaita Yoga Ashrama’ where they have given a detailed account of how to use the neti pot.

Technorati Tags: nasal irrigation, neti, neti pot, netti pot

Neti or the process of cleansing the nasal pathways is an old Indian technique for removing harmful toxins from the body and it is generally believed, that its practice contributes greatly to one’s health and keeps many of the diseases associated with ageing at bay.

Many in India and parts of South Asia practice Jal neti or cleansing of the nasal pathways with water as a daily ritual, quite like brushing one’s teeth. Many Yoga teachers however, say that Neti needs to be performed only when it is necessary and not everyday.

Neti or cleansing the nasal pathways, when performed with a string is known as Sutra neti and when a catheter is used it is known as Dand neti.

Jal neti is the technique most commonly used and is now practiced by many people around the world. It is also known as nasal irrigation. A Neti Pot also known as Netti Pot containing warm saline water is used to pour the solution through one nostril and out the other, in the process, clearing out the nasal pathways of sometimes old and infected mucous and giving the body a chance to begin the process of healing itself.

Technorati Tags: jal neti, nasal irrigation, neti, neti pot, netti pot