Step By Step Guide For Using Neti Pot
As you are exposed to increasing amounts of pollutants in your environment, you will also experience a lot of nasal congestion and environmental allergies. Throughout the world, health practitioners have been recommending nasal irrigation for cleansing the nasal passages and reducing respiratory allergies as well as sinus infections.
The regimen of nasal irrigation is considered a basic health maintenance activity such as brushing and flossing. Neti pot or nasal irrigation is considered a gentle and more or less safe procedure, even though there have been claims of parasitic infections caused by using contaminated water in the neti pots.
What is a Neti Pot?
A neti pot is a simple instrument, which appears much like a small bulb-shaped teapot. It provides a soothing and gentle stream of saline water that can be inhaled through one nostril and exhaled through the other nostril. As the stream of water passes through the nasal passages, it clears out mucus, pollen and infection causing microbes with it.
While traditionally, people have used a decongestant to clear their sinuses, in the modern times the use of neti pots has become more popular. Neti pots can be used after a decongestant has been used to loosen the mucus. When nasal irrigation has been performed, the mucus gets loosened and the irrigation can then help wash off this loosened mucus out of the nasal passages. The benefits of a decongestant are limited to a small period of time, but when paired with nasal irrigation, this can really be a long-term solution for your sinus allergies and infections.
When to Use a Neti Pot?
Neti pot is ideally used when the nasal tract is very congested. In fact, it is best to use nasal irrigation after you have used a decongestant first. Start with using a decongestant and wait for about 20 minutes for it to work. Once the phlegm is reasonably loosened, use the neti pot as it makes it easier for the saline water to enter into the nasal passages. Most neti pots come with their irrigation kits. These usually come in a package with directions on how to use the neti pot. You may create the saline solution on your own using water and sea salt or kosher salt, or purchase a pre mixed saline solution from your local grocery or departmental store.
Neti Pot Instructions
If you are not sure on how to use neti pot, it is important that you get professional help. There are some simple neti pot instructions, which may be used to have a safe and natural nasal irrigation experience. If used correctly, the neti potting technique is not very difficult. In fact, the technique is so simple that you may be pleasantly surprised on using it for the first time. Given below are step-by-step neti pot instructions:
- Start off by filling out the neti pot with clean lukewarm water. You may use distilled water or boil the water and then cool it to a lukewarm temperature. Add ¼ of a teaspoon of non-iodized salt, sea salt, or kosher salt to the neti pot. Be careful about the temperature of the water. If the water is too hot, it will hurt and irritate your sinuses. If the water is too cold, it will not enter your nasal passages easily and will not be soothing.
- Tilt your head slightly sideways, at about a 45-degree angle, and insert the spout of the neti pot into your left nostril. Insert the spout gently and let it fit snugly into the nostril so that it creates a seal.
- Let the water flow into the nostril gently and slowly. If the water begins to flow out of your mouth, you are not tilting your head correctly. Try to lower your forehead and bring your chin closer to the chest. This will make the water flow through the nasal passages and allow it to flow out of the other nostril.
- Relax and breathe through your mouth. Once you are done, remove the spout and exhale firmly. This will help clear any leftover water in the nasal passages.
- Now tilt the head on your other side and repeat with the other nostril. Wash the device thoroughly after each use.
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