Self Care
How to Use the Neti Pot
In the United States, sinus problems are the number one reason people see a doctor. Here's a simple solution: If your sinuses are clogged with mucus or inflamed by pollen, mold, dust or animal dander, then wash it out. I have seen many patients who no longer need sinus medications with regular use of a neti pot. This is an ancient yoga technique that is increasingly advocated by ear, nose and throat doctors.
Bassic Neti Pot Technique
Start with a cup of lukewarm water, with about 1/4
teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in it.
The idea is to use
water that is not irritating. The salt is used to make the
water close to normal saline. You can use bottled saline
solution, although this is more expensive. Tap water
containing chlorine may be irritating but you can try using it, since
it makes it much more likely that you will actually do this. I
suggest keeping a small container of sea salt and a 1/4
teaspoon measure handy in the bathroom. The water should be
comfortably warm, not hot. Iodized table salt may also be
irritating so it is best to use plain sea salt.
- Hold your head over the sink. Tilt your head to
one side and fit the spout of the neti pot to one nostril.
- Let the
water run through.
- Breathe
through your mouth.
- Repeat on the other side.
Advanced Neti Pot Technique
Once you've mastered running the salt solution you can try the next level which is really the most effective method because it really irrigates the sinuses which are much further back. The idea is to get the water to fill the whole nasal cavity and run out through the mouth. This really gets at the source of most post nasal drip issues which can cause chronic sore throats and can be the main issue with some cases of sleep apnea and some chronic stomach and esophageal inflammation. It can also solve many chonic ear problems by relieving the inflammaton that can block the Eustachean tube, also called the auditory canal. So as the water is running through your nose, gently close off the other nostril with a finger and gently suck the water into the nose. If you do this slowly it will fill the nostril and come out through your mouth. If you do it too vigorously it can cause gagging so just start slowly. Many patinets think this will be awful but once you've mastered it, it's easy and no big deal, and it really works.
Once you're done gently blow your nose to get rid of as much water as possible. I often find that I get a "flood" about a 1/2 hour after using the Neti Pot, so keep kleenex handy!
Tips
I strongly suggest you do not use the Neti Pot before lying down. This is particularly true if you have a chronic fungal sinusitis. The fluids from your sinus can run down your throat and can be extremely irritating. So it would be best to do the Neti Pot several hours before going to bed.
You can lie down with your head lower than your body for a few minutes to allow the Neti Pot solution to get into the sinuses. Patients who are using the inversion table or using supine cervical traction may want to experiment with using the Neti Pot before either of these therapies. Just be prepared for the water to run out when you get up!
If your nose
is quite clogged it, keep at it and eventually the water will
flow, and with it your airway will start to open. If you have particularly clogged sinuses, some water may get trapped in the sinus. If this causes pain or fullness, talk to me. It may be you will need some additional help with decongestion along with the Neti Pot and you may need to go slow at first but this is definitely something that will help you in the long run.
Most neti pots
need to be filled once per side. For most people once or twice a
day is enough. More can be irritating and is not recommended except in special circumstances, such
as heavy pollen or dust exposure or while you are having heavy
mucus discharge.
Adding to the Neti Pot Solution
I recommend the Neti Pot for three situations: 1. Rinsing airborne allergens out of the nose. This includes pollens, dust, etc. 2. Chronic fungal sinus infections. 3. Colds and other acute sinus issues. For allergens, use plain salt water solutions.
For fungal and other infections herbs or other substances can be added to the neti pot water but this should be done
with caution to avoid irritation. I often suggest 
SweetLeaf (Monarda
Fitsulosa, pictured) or Elecampaine (Inula Helenum) tinctures from Phytotherapy
Research. Iodine is traditionally used for thinning mucus but must be
used in very small amounts. Grapefruit seed extract has powerful
antifungal and antibacterial properties but must also be used in very
small amounts. Seek competent professional advice before using any of
these substances.
Xylitol is added to some Neti Pot solutions. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol
which inhibits bacterial growth. It is also used as a sugar
substitute. Some people and all dogs cannot tolerate xylitol.
If your nose and sinuses are irritated you can add a small amount of glycerin to the solution. Vegetable glycerin is available at most health stores. 10 to 15 drops per Neti Pot is usually enough. This is particularly hepful if your nose feels dry.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can be added to the salt solution. This is not necessary but a pinch is probably helpful for fungal infections and some people find it is also soothing to irritated tissues.
We have a lovely Neti Pot which is handmade by a woman in
California. It's the one pictured at the beginning of this article. It's both beautiful and funcitonal. It
fits the hand and nose well and has a big enough volume. I also offer a
plastic version mainly for travel or people who want an unbreakable
version.
The Hydropulse
I personally use the Hydropulse, which is an electric version of the Neti Pot. It is basically a Water Pik with a larger nozzle which produces a gentle, pulsed stream. I use the same solutions with the Hydropulse as I would with the Neti Pot. The Hydropulse is widely available on the internet and I have never found it discounted. The medical doctor who promotes it claims that he no longer performs sinus surgery since using the Hydropulse with his patients. Although it is more expensive it is more convenient and probably more effective. As with the Neti Pot I use the Hydropulse to run water all the way through the nose and out the mouth. Just take it easy at first and keep the pressure low so you don't force water into the ear canal. Most people have no problem with this but start slow.
Call the office to order your Neti Pot or to set an appointment to evaluate your sinus and allergy issues.
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Why We Need Alternative Health Care We
Don't Have a Health Care System, we have a disease care system and
it's not working. Americans spend more than any other country on
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Dr. George Manlove
© 2010 George Manlove, DC All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based
upon the
opinions of Dr. Manlove, unless otherwise noted. The information on this
website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a
qualified
health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is
intended
as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and
experience of
Dr. Manlove. Dr. Manlove encourages you to make your own health care
decisions
based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care
professional.
These
statements have
not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products
discussed in
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If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical
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