Neti Pot

"Nasal douching is an effective treatment for sinus problems. People with chronic sinus conditions should use a nasal douche daily, as it promotes drainage of the sinuses & speeds healing of the inflamed tissues. In the case of an acute sinus infection, it is important to do so even more frequently, up to four times per day." - Dr. Andrew Weil

Today I had my first nasal douching, as I have been suffering with a head cold for the better part of a week. This simple fact the I was willing to douche my head proves how far a person will go in order to get relief from sinus pressure.

To get started all you need is a "Neti Pot" & "Neti Salt". The Neti Pot resembles a chinese tea pot. You mix a 1/4 tsp of Neti salt to 1/2 cup of warm water in the Neti Pot. Then you tip your Neti head sideways over the sink, insert the Neti spout into the upfacing nostril & pour the Neti douche sollution, letting it flow through your head & draining out the opposite nostril. Sound fun right!!??!! Well it is a very odd feeling to say the least. It kind of burns, like as if sea water was being flushed through the inner most passages of your head, and your eyes may feel like they are gonna pop out. As the Neti douche water drains from the catacombs of the sinuses, a stunning mass of "ickies" begins to evacuate the nostrils. After a few blows of the nose, it is recommmended that you bend at the waste & point your head to the floor. This helps drain any remaning Neti douche water. Then blow out the nose again & it's all over. I hope it helps me out!! They say this proceedure is common in China & the far east. Oh, you might want to clean out the sink after douching... the amount of "ickies" is impressive..... The one thing I learned tonight is, "boy, there's nothing like a good nasal douching!"