The word neti is an abbreviation of the Sanskrit word Jala neti which means “water cleansing.” Though the technique has been unknown in the West until recently, Indian Yogi’s have been performing the procedure for thousands of years as a part of their daily cleansing ritual.
The concept is really simple. You fill the neti pot with warm salt water and pour it in one nostril until it comes out of the other one. This clears out all of that nasty stuff up there and prevents bacteria from having a pool party in your sinuses. Though the concept is simple, the actual technique and preparation do require a little practice. You should always use salt water for the best results. I opt to buy the refills, but you can make your mixture if you run out of the refill packets. Non-iodized salt is best, and the mixture should be at a ratio of approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons per liter of warm water. One advantage of the pre-mixed packets is that they can have a higher saline content since special buffering agents prevent discomfort to the nasal cavity. The water should be as close to body temperature as you can get it without being too hot. If the temperature is too cold, you will feel like you are drowning in the ocean.
After stirring the mixture thoroughly, lean over a sink and tilt your head down and slightly to one side. You can then place the spout of the neti pot in the nostril, establishing as tight of a seal as possible, and raise the pot slightly allowing the water to flow slowly into the nasal passage. Continue to breathe normally through your mouth. If you are positioned correctly, you should feel the water going from one side to the other until you have a steady stream flowing out of the nostril.
It took me about three attempts before I felt that I was doing it correctly, so don’t get too discouraged if it doesn’t go well the first few times. Also, if you have a lot of blockages, then you may have to switch from side to side several times blowing your nose in between flushes. I recommend using just half a packet when starting, and one full pot for both nostrils. After a few weeks, you can do a full pot for each nostril for maximum effect.
So far, I have been using the neti pot nightly for about six weeks. Since then, I have not had any of the usual sinus problems that have plagued me constantly for the last two years. It has also alleviated my snoring since I am no longer struggling to breathe at night.
