The Joys of Neti Pot

*Post-publication note (10 June 2010):*
Upon editing this post, my boyfriend suggested that I refer the Neti pot interchangeably as "his" and "mine." Indeed, it does belong to him, but I use it intermittently. I have not yet committed to obtaining one of my own. Besides, "it's always more fun to share with everyone..."


This is one of the gifts I gave my boyfriend for his birthday. If you're thinking that it is:

• a genie's lamp, acquired only with Aladdin's assistance
  
• a handle-free teapot, short and stout
• a fun new gadget for your next passion party
  
• the best imaginable present
  

then you would be incorrect, but close.

It is, in fact, a handmade neti pot.

You are either reading this now with a quick nod and knowing smile, or with glazed eyes and a vague recollection that it may have been something you smoked in your dorm room...which looked nothing like that bizarre contraption in the picture.

For the neti pot neophytes, I will explain in greater detail. For you veterans, feel free to follow along at your leisure and add any a propos comments. I am hardly an expert; rather, a former skeptic who has recently warmed up to the notion that nasal passages could somehow benefit from irrigation practices, which is what the neti pot is designed to do.


Variations of neti pots have been circulating for centuries, originally used by yoga practitioners in India and the Far East to aid in breathing exercises. The popularity exploded in North America in the 1970s and is used to ease and help prevent sinus problems and infections.

I was first introduced to neti pot via infomercial during my freshman year of college. The demonstration fascinated, frightened and disgusted me, in equal parts. After watching the host shove a spout up one nostril, allowing salt water to flow up and out the other nostril, I put down my half-eaten slice of pizza and vowed never to subject myself to such home remedy torture.

After losing my appetite that night, I have since eaten my words. Now, more than a decade later, I use my neti pot daily. Mine is small and compact, easy on the eyes and true to its yogic origin. The aum design adds a nice, crunchy touch; and it matches my tramp stamp tattoo to boot.










My boyfriend's sinus problems motivated me to shell out twenty dollars for a neti pot, after years of avoidance. The birthday guinea pig volunteered to try it first. Every morning for three days I watched in awe. On day four, I tried the process myself, with shocking success.

I had intended to post photos accompanying the step by step process, but my vanity prevented me from doing so. While interesting, neti potting (an expression which I have integrated into my vocabulary, well aware that it may not qualify as a verb) is hardly a flattering activity. In lieu of my own nostrils, I have perused my internet options for other, existent blow by blow visuals. I discovered a helpful video proffered by the Himalayan Institute.

In a nutshell, for those of you who may still be confused:

• Mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt (or the special neti pot salt, if you prefer to spend more money on the fancy stuff that has essentially the same effect) with 8 ounces of warm water (it should be the same temperature and saltiness of your tears)
  
• Fill up the neti pot (each one is sized somewhat differently) with the water mixture
• Tilt your head at a 45-degree angle (away from the neti pot and preferable over a sink) and place the spout snugly into one nostril
  
• Open your mouth, bend forward and tilt your head further until the water fills one nostril
• It will naturally drain out the other nostril
• Continue the process until the neti pot is empty
• Gently push air through both nostrils and allow the water to drip out
• REPEAT the process with the other nostril

Voila! You have just completed a process I endearingly refer to as 'hippie waterboarding.'

It may feel counterintuitive and somewhat masochistic. I think it is. However, it has also helped assuage the symptoms of my springtime allergies, warded off my boyfriend's sinus infections and gives a great head buzz first thing in the morning. I hardly need coffee or Benadryl anymore; neti pot offers an apt alternative to both.