How To Use A Neti Pot
Learning how to use a Neti Pot is a very easy process. Understanding why you are using the neti pot is helpful.
The objective is to allow you to flush your sinuses with a warm saline formula. The design of the pot allows the user to easily accomplish the nasal flushing procedure.
The actual rinsing process is best done while leaning forward over a sink. Keep a supply of tissues handy to dry your nostrils
after you are done using the pot. During the process, water will be exiting your nostril and therefore you will want to keep your face as close to the sink as possible to minimize splashing.
The first step in the process is to mix the saline formula for the neti pot. This is essentially a salt water solution that is measured to
so that the saline content closely matches the body's own saline concentration. Too much salt, as well as not enough salt, will cause the user discomfort in the form of stinging. The objective here is to prepare a formula that
essentially matches the body's own natural fluids. It is important to use lukewarm water to mix the formula. Hot water should not be used as it can burn and irritate the sensitive sinus membranes. Cold water will result in discomfort as well.
Remember--Lukewarm water only.
Beginners may wish to use pre-mixed salt packages to mix their solutions. These are usually pre-measured to match the volume of a given neti pot. In this case one would simply stir the water to dissolve the salt into solution. Neti Pot Salt is usually
available in stronger concentrations. This is where the user must experiment and see which type works the best for them. Once again beginners should opt for the pre-mixed packets so they know they are using the proper formula. Please see our section called Saline Formula For Neti Pot for more information on getting the right mixture for your needs.
At this point we will assume that the user has mixed the proper saline formula and has stirred the mixture so as to dissolve it into the warm water in the nostril pot. In this example we are going to flush the right nostril first. The user should lean forward over the sink, holding the neti pot in their right hand.
Turn the head towards the neti pot and gently press the spout of the pot up against the right nostril. In this position the right nostril will be higher than the left side, which will allow the excess solution to exit.
Keep the face down near the sink and slowly tip the neti pot up so that gravity will allow the water to flow out the spout. You will feel the warm water make its way towards the left nostril and begin running out. The objective here is to keep the pot tilted
in such a manner as to keep a steady flow running through the nose. With practice the user will soon learn how to adjust the head and tip the pot so as to keep a good steady flow going.
Continue pouring the solution until the pot is empty. Keep the face down near the sink and gently exhale through the nostrils to blow out any excess water. It is now time to flush the other side by simply reversing the procedure.
A full neti pot should be used to flush each side to ensure a good cleansing. Once both sides have been flushed, the user should gently exhale again to remove any excess water. At this point the nasal irrigation procedure is complete. One may use the neti pot to flush their sinuses up to four times daily.
It is also a good practice to flush the sinuses after any type of exposure to allergens or other pollutants.
The idea of pouring water through one's nostrils may seem foreign and make the user a bit anxious about the process. It should be noted that the procedure does not give the user a smothering sensation, as the user can still breathe through their mouth while performing the flush.
The water will not enter the user's mouth unless the user swallows. One can keep the mouth open and even talk during the process. The first initial flush will seem a bit odd to the user, but if the correct saline formula is used their should be very little if any discomfort.
We have pre-mixed and bulk Neti Pot Salt available in our store.
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