Featured: 4 Good-to-Knows About Neti Potting

When everyone from Dr. Oz to your grandmother is talking about neti potting as the secret for what ails you, you may start considering the art of flushing out your nostrils.

Although it is not the sexiest of wellness practices, neti potting has numerous health benefits, from reducing the effects of allergens to releasing sinus pressure. 

Here are a few things to know before you start integrating this ancient health practice into your life:

1. Relive Childhood Memories. We have all had the experience of laughing until a liquid came out of our nose when we were kids. Neti potting, especially when you’re just starting, has a similar feeling. To reduce this feeling, make sure that your head is really turned to one side, as if you were trying to make one ear parallel to the sink.

2. Clean Nostrils Need Clean Utensils. Many people forget how important it is to clean their neti pot, but lest you forget, you just put that in your nose. You clean your socks after each time you wear them. Soap and water after each use and you and your neti pot will have the potential of a great long-term relationship.

3. Be Precise About Your Solution. The cells in your nose and sinus membranes have a specific level of salt concentration and pH level. If you create a salt solution that doesn’t match this pH level, it can be irritating. The right solution may become – we dare to say it – enjoyable. Follow the instructions on the packet and use filtered water if you can.

4. Rub a Dub Dub. Salt water is drying. When you’re done, blow your nose and notice how much more easily you can breathe. Then massage a little bit of your favourite face oil onto the outside of your nostrils for an extra bit of TLC.

Netiquette down. You are good to go.