Neti Pot, Neti Pot – O, How I Love Thee Neti Pot

Today’s post is specifically offered to people who suffer from allergies (whether seasonal, environmental, chemical), bronchitis, chronic sinus infection, hay fever, colds – and applies to all health-conscious folks and all yogis, everywhere.

If you don’t know about it already, it’s time for you to meet the ancient yogic cleansing tool known as the “neti pot.” The neti pot (see image) is a small plastic or copper vessel resembling a tiny teapot. It costs about $1.00 (maybe $5 or $10 max in the U.S.) used for the kriya (yogic cleansing technique) called “Jala Neti,” or “cleaning the nasal passage.” Jala means water, and Neti means nose.

This technique is the simplest way to reduce allergies and chronic sinus conditions. It also can reduce colds, headache, bronchitis, and hypersensitivity to environmental pollutants. I personally think the Neti pot is one of those secrets that might put some drug manufacturers out of business.

For the general public, the main benefits are: (1) Cleansing – removing excess mucus from the body; (2) Desensitization to allergies, dust, weather changes, etc.; (3) Increasing sensitivity – improved sense of smell and taste, and in general (increasing awareness).

It’s so easy: all one needs to do is…

1. Procure a Neti pot and then make a sterile solution of salty, lukewarm water. The water should be about as saline as seawater, and it should be just a tiny bit warmer than body temperature. Fill up the pot with the solution.

2. Stand with legs apart, hold the Neti with your right hand, insert the tip of the pot into the right nostril, KEEP THE MOUTH OPEN (you have to breathe still, remember!).

3. Next, tilt the head slightly forward and sideways to the left so that the water pours into the right nostril and comes out through the left by gravity. Make sure the head is tilted enough, or the water may go down the throat. (Don’t panic – it’s just salt water!) Stand over the sink or somewhere you don’t mind the water pouring on the ground. Allow the entire pot of water to flow through the right nostril and out the left until the pot is empty.

4. Now, clear out the nasal passages of all remaining water by bending your head down, then closing one nostril with the fingertips, then actively exhaling through one nostril, until no more water comes out. This is important! You’ll want to get out all excess water to avoid headache. Plus, you should be witnessing the fruits of your labors – lots of mucus! So be sure to have a Kleenex or towel handy, or something to rinse your hands off with.

5. Repeat the above Steps 2-4 on the left side.

Other important tips:

• Be sure to always use salt.
• Neti is really good for general cold sufferers; HOWEVER, do not use Neti if you have a sore throat, a fever, or inner ear infection.
• For allergy prevention and relief, daily use of the Neti pot is recommended until symptoms are relieved – then do alternating days for two weeks, then every third day until symptom-free.
• For yogis and the general public, Neti is recommended twice a week
• Time of day: it’s best to use Neti in the early morning, before breakfast.

Happy sinus cleaning!
Enjoy the fresh and clear feeling!
May this information be helpful to you or someone you love!

NOTE: The author is a yogi, not a physician. This information is for educational purposes only. Please consult your medical practitioner to discuss the use of Neti pot for your own preventative health care needs.