Instructions On Using A Neti Pot To Treat Sinus

A sinus infection is no laughing matter - it creates an endless amount of misery and pain for the sufferer. Many of us have resigned ourselves to living with recurring sinus problems and seasonal allergy related bouts of illness, but need no longer suffer as help is at hand.

Treatments with the humble neti pot, a personal hygiene aid used for centuries by yogis in India, can help alleviate all the pain and suffering caused by sinus infections and allergies.

Here are some easy to follow instructions on how to properly use a neti pot to treat sinus allergies:

1. Purchase some dry saline solution specially made for use with neti pots and fill yours with it. If you are a beginner then use about half the regular dose of the solution. You can find readymade packets or can make your own saline preparation. The salt in these saline solutions will help clear out the bacteria responsible for the sinus infection.

2. Dissolve the dry saline solution in some lukewarm water. Pour carefully to prevent over or under filling your neti pot. A full pot is not necessary to get the best results, so don't fill it to the brim.

3. Stir well until saline solution is fully dissolved in the water.

4. Lean your head over a sink or bathtub. Make sure you are looking straight down.

5. Carefully insert the neti pot's spout into one nostril - if you experience discomfort achieving a snug fit consider using some petroleum jelly to ensure a better fit.

1. Don't try to breathe through your nose at this point. Breathe through your mouth instead.

2. Angle your free nostril to the sink by turning your head so that the nostril with the spout in it is pointing upwards. Make sure that your forehead is higher than your chin.

3. Raise the pot until the saline solution floods your nasal passages. If you do this right you will feel pressure as the solution fills your nostrils and sinus cavities.

4. Keep breathing normally out of your mouth as the water makes its way through your nose and exits out the opposite nostril.

5. Stop when you have used up all the saline solution in the neti pot or can't handle the pressure.

6. Slowly remove the neti pot spout from your nostril.

7. Blow your nose gently - don't plug your nostrils as you do this.

8. After you expel all the water from your nose along with all the gunk causing the sinus infection, gently blow your nose by plugging each side separately with a tissue. Do this very gently or you risk shooting water back inside your sinuses if you blow too hard.

9. Repeat all the above steps with the other nostril.

10. After applying the saline solution to both nostrils and blowing your nose twice put the neti pot away.

11. You now have to do some light exercises to remove the remaining solution from the sinuses. Start by bending so the top of your head is pointing at the floor. Brace yourself on your knees or use your hands for support.

12. While holding this position breathe normally for at least 15 seconds.

13. Start exhaling vigorously out of your nostrils while inhaling gently through your mouth. Repeat this exercise until you expel all the remaining neti pot water out of your nose.