LIFESTYLE
NETI SOLUTIONS for a Better Season
ALINA HORNFELDT (SHE/HER)
W
hen the seasons change from winter to spring, we look for the new buds on the trees, a warm caress in the air, and fresh beginnings. But with these exciting signs of renewal may come some unpleasant features: seasonal allergies, lingering sinus infections from the winter’s colds, and nasal dryness. One way to get relief from these and more is using a neti pot. The history of the neti pot dates back over 5,000 years to ancient hatha masters who taught their students a variety of neti practices, including jala neti, which includes flushing the nasal passages with water, milk, or ghee to prepare the mind and body for meditation and pranayama (breathing techniques). The Himalayan Institute introduced the first commercially available neti pot in the west in 1972, made of ceramic. As westerners’ health and wellness lifestyles began incorporating yoga and Ayurvedic practices, companies produced neti pots in various materials, such as plastic, copper, and stainless steel. When Oprah demonstrated a neti pot on her show in 2007, she brought it into the mainstream, cementing its place as a valuable tool in the medicine cabinet. The benefits of using a neti pot include, but are not limited to: thoroughly rinsing the nasal passages and clearing all mucus, relieving sinus
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pressure, improving breathing and limiting congestion, and improving symptoms without the side effects from over-the-counter medication, such as stimulation or drowsiness. Always check with your healthcare provider before introducing a new treatment into your regimen. Children should use a neti pot only with the direct supervision of an adult. It is also vital that you use the neti pot correctly. With careless use, a neti pot or nasal wash can leave you with more problems than you started with! When getting started with a neti pot, you must consider a few essential things. You can choose a neti pot from the selection found at your local health food store. Often you can find beautiful handmade glazed ceramic options,
but a more budget-friendly option like a plastic pot is just as effective. Traditional neti pots most often look like small teapots and use gravity to assist the flow of water through the nasal passages. They have an open top, a handle, and a long spout. Check to ensure you get a smooth neti pot with no rough edges, especially at the tip of the spout, as this part will be placed inside your nostril. You can also find a squeeze-bottle type of nasal cleansing device, but these require finesse when using. Otherwise, it may be an uncomfortable and messy experience! To clean the neti pot and free any debris or dust, wash it thoroughly before usage. The water you use inside the neti pot must be either distilled,
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