Don't Forget to Flush!!

With cold and flu season right around the corner, I thought this would be a good time to give you a way to help cleanse your sinuses. If you suffer from allergies, nasal congestion, or sinus infections, a good way to flush or cleanse your sinuses is by using a Neti Pot. A Neti Pot looks like a small version of a tea pot. One example is pictured here...

You can buy these at any drugstore (Walgreen's, Osco, etc.) or online. They usually come with a saline solution, but you can use any type of non-iodized salt.

Here's how to do it:

1. Fill the pot with with lukewarm water and add a 1/4 teaspoon of the saline solution or salt until it is dissolved.

2. Over a sink, tilt your head to the left, positioning the side of your head approximately parallel to the floor. Put the spout of the Neti Pot into your right nostril. Seal the opening of the nostril by gently pressing the spout of the Neti Pot against the nostril opening and pour the water into the nostril. The water will start to come out of your left nostril after flushing through the sinuses.

3. Breathe through your mouth during the flushing process. Pour the entire contents of the Nedi Pot into the right nostril.

4. You may want to blow your nose after cleansing the first nostril. Now, refill the Neti Pot and tilt your head to the right side, and repeat the process with the left nostril.

I know this sounds like a crazy process, but it really is not as bad as it seems. It takes a couple times to get used to, but is actually really easy. It's a great, natural way to clean out your sinuses. If you are someone who has chronic allergies or sinus infections, I would recommend doing this daily and I think you will be very happy with the results. Otherwise, use it during times of sinus congestion to help you breathe better.

Feel free to post your personal story about using the Neti Pot or if you have any other questions about using it.

Live Well.