Your #1 Sinus Cure: The Neti Pot

The Neti Pot - it's not just for Yogis anymore. And when I say Yogis, I'm not talkin' about the cartoon Hannah-Barbera picnic-stealin' bear or the famous phrase-slingin' baseball player of the past.  No, I'm talking about those people who practice ancient Hindu Asanas, or body postures, as part of their spiritual practice.  These postures are a popular mode of exercise today.  If you haven't guessed what I'm talking about yet (and shame on you if you haven't), I'm referring to Yoga.  

I was first introduced to Yoga as an elective health class when I was going to school for business at the University of Nebraska at Omaha some years ago.  I loved the class so much, it helped me make the switch from business to exercise science.  I could see how much the teacher loved the class she was teaching.  I knew I could love doing the same thing.  This person was helping people learn about new ways to feel better and become healthier.  One of the most simple, yet effective, things I learned in that class that year was about the neti pot.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the neti pot, this is a pot that looks similar to a magic lamp.  Well, it did to me.  For those of you who don't secretly hope for a genie to pop out of things, it may have merely looked like a gravy boat.  I like the former better.  Anyway, the teacher demonstrated the use of this magic lamp lookin' thing that day by filling it with water and some sea salt.  She then stuck one end up her nose and tilted her head.  Water began to flow out the other nostril, which thoroughly disgusted most of the girls in the class (loved that!).  I, of course, was intrigued.  She said this simple little device, when used once daily, had rid her of allergies that had plagued her for over a decade.  I just had to buy one!

So I bought one.  Except my neti pot was more modern looking.  My stuff has to look modern.  It looks like it's made of surgical steel, and the spout has a cone shape that better fits into the nostril without leaking water all over the counter.  And above all, I don't try to rub the thing to make a genie pop out, because this one doesn't deceive you into thinking it's a magical lamp.  But I digress...

Winter time sure has a nice way of drying out the air in your home and work place.  And we all know that this winter has been particularly harsh - enough to get Scrooge back to saying "Bah, humbug!" two days after his life-altering visit from the paranormal.  If you are anything like me, you are susceptible to some very nasty sinus infections.  I used to get sinus infections that required a prescription for a super antibiotic to knock 'em out.  And then two weeks later, I would have the same infection again.  I knew I couldn't live like that anymore, so I went natural and tried using a neti pot.  Not only will it help you get over a sinus infection without the use of antibiotics, you'll prevent them from occurring in the first place.  The neti pot allows a warm flow of salinated water that close mimics the concentration of moisture in your nasal passages.  This will prevent you from getting clogged up, and if you do, it will unclog you in a jiffy so your body can better fight off infection.  You will experience less sinus infections, colds, and allergies.  The act of pouring water in one nostril and out the other is gross, I admit, but it's worth it.  It feels good to have moist nasal passages, trust me.  

Here's a YouTube video so you can see how it works (this is also the pot I own): 

I hope you enjoyed watching that.  It's not that bad, but if you can get the hang of it, say goodbye to your sinus problems.  I did, and I can't say I miss them one bit.

Until next time, have a great drainage-free day!