Neti Pot
Dr. Tooba Durrani, ND, L.Ac.
Nasal irrigation is a personal hygiene practice which involves flooding the nasal cavity with warm saline solution. The goal of nasal irrigation is to clear out excess mucus and particulates and moisturize the nasal cavity.
Nasal irrigation is an ancient technique, originating from the Ayurvedic practice of Jala neti (literally: "water cleansing"), which involves regularly flooding the nasal cavity with warm salty water.
It is performed daily, usually as the first thing in the morning with other cleansing practices. It may also be performed at the end of the day if one works or lives in a dusty or polluted environment. A typical method utilizes an isotonic saline solution. This roughly matches the concentration of salt found in the blood and natural tears. A warm saline solution is prepared to a 0.9% salinity (following instructions for Neti Pot. Non-iodized salt is best.) The water should feel slightly warm to the touch. It is important to stir the mixture thoroughly in order to dissolve all the salt.
The saline solution irrigation and nasal flush promotes good nasal health. It can be used by patients with chronic sinusitis including symptoms of facial pain, headache, halitosis (bad breath), cough, anterior rhinorrhea (watery discharge).
Nasal irrigation is reputed to help prevent colds and otherwise promote good nasal health by cleaning out the nasal passages and helps alleviate stuffiness, dryness, nosebleeds and the symptoms of allergies.
To summarize, nasal irrigation can:
- Clear out sticky, persistent mucus and help reduce nasal congestion
- Cleanse and rid the sinus cavities of allergens, irritants, and contaminants
- Treat chronic sinusitis
- Treat allergic rhinitis
- Prevent common colds and flu
- Relieve nasal dryness
- Improve breathing
- Temporarily reduce symptoms of post nasal drainage
- Reduce cough caused by post-nasal drip
- Treat acute bacterial sinus infection
Things to consider while using a Neti Pot:
If there is burning or irritation of the nasal lining during a nasal lavage (nasal wash) with the Neti Pot which can feel similar to irritation one may experience from the chlorine in a swimming pool. This is usually due to water being at the wrong temperature and/or salinity, breathing through the nose rather than the mouth while using the Neti Pot or due to salt containing additive such as iodine or a flowing agent (so sea salt is best). If the salinity is correct and the water is at body temperature, try using a different type of salt.
This instructional video from the Mayo clinic may be helpful though they use a bulb syringe instead of a Neti Pot the concept is the same: www.mayoclinic.com/health/nasal-lavage/MM00552
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