Using a Neti Pot

A neti pot is a simple and safe device used to flush mucous and bacteria from the nose and sinuses. Using a neti pot is an ancient Ayurvedic technique from India. It has been clinically tested in the West and shown to be not only safe, but effective in treating sinus symptoms. It’s a great way to alleviate the common runny nose and congestion that may be a side effect of your detox program.

“Neti” means nasal cleansing in Sanskrit and “jala neti” is the act of using water from a small pot to flush the nose. This technique of nasal irrigation has been an adjunct to yoga practice for centuries. In order to effectively practice yoga postures and breath control, disciplined yogis cleanse the nose daily.

In the United States and Canada, doctors have begun to recommend nasal irrigation to treat sinus infections, allergies and the common cold. Clinical tests demonstrate that sinusitis patients using this therapy have reduced symptoms, use less antibiotics and nasal sprays and have quicker healing.* This and other studies also prove the method to be safe with no side effects for adults and children.

Benefits of Nasal Irrigation

Just like we brush our teeth daily, nasal cleansing is a good daily hygiene practice for preventing colds, allergies and other sinus problems. And it doesn’t taking any longer than flossing and brushing. During your detox program, it is additionally important to support your body in eliminating toxins. If a runny or stuffy nose is one of the detox symptoms you experience, a neti pot will help to clear out toxins faster and reduce symptoms.

Using a salt solution is important because it more closely resembles the “tonicity” or solution of the cells than pure water, making it an “isotonic” solution (matching the tone of our cells). This way it’s less irritating to the membranes in the nose and sinuses.

How to Use a Neti Pot

To make the salt solution, dead sea salt is recommended. Pickling salt is another alternative as there are no anti-caking or iodine additives in it. Definitely do NOT use iodized table salt as it will irritate the nose tissues. Special neti pot salts can also be purchased as well as neti washes that add beneficial, healing herbs to the solution. You can also add a pinch of baking soda to your mixture which balances the pH to more closely match the body (do not use baking powder).

Directions with Basic Solution

1. Fill your pot with warm water (body temperature) and add ¼ teaspoon of finely ground non-iodized salt and stir.
2. Lean forward over a sink and tilt your head to one side. Keep the forehead at the same height as the chin, or slightly higher.
3. Gently insert the spout into the upper nostril so it forms a comfortable seal.
4. Raise the neti pot gradually so the salt water flows in through your upper nostril and out of the lower nostril into the sink. Breathe through your mouth.
5. When the pot is empty, lean over the sink and exhale vigorously without pinching the nostrils. It’s important to expel as much of the water as possible.
6. Refill and repeat on the other side. Again, exhale vigorously to clear the nasal passages. Use one full pot on each side.
7. Rinse your pot and store.

* Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial; Rabago D, Zgierska A, Mundt M, Barrett B, Bobula J, Maberry R (December 2002)J Fam Pract 51 (12): 1049–55