Neti Pot for Allergy Relief

Using neti pots for nasal irrigation is an ancient Hindu practice called Jala Neti that originates from cleansing rituals that were performed prior to Yoga in order to promote healthy breathing passages and good health. By cleaning out the nasal passages of excess mucus and other foreign bodies the breathing techniques during yoga were clean and accurate.

Just as in the past, the neti pots are used for healthy breathing pathways prior to Yoga, but it has now become a widespread practice throughout the world to help relieve allergy symptoms and prevent nasal inflammation from infection.

How It Works

A neti pot is a very simple design that looks just like a regular tea pot. Ranging in sizes that hold anywhere from 30ml to 500ml, they are filled with a slightly warmed up saline solution or other special nasal irrigation solution that cleans the nasal passages without irritation. The short stout of the neti pot should fit snuggly into one nostril to prevent leaks and direct the liquid through to the other nostril. While the liquid travels from one side to the other, it takes along all of the excess mucus and other debris that may be lodged within the nasal cavity, preventing clear airways.

How It Helps With Allergies

For those who suffer from hay fever or other allergies from dust, dander and other particles found in the air, the main problem is breathing in the allergens. Once in the sinus passages, the allergens attach themselves to the soft tissue then aggravate breathing and trigger other reactions like watery eyes and sneezing. A neti pot is a wonderful tool to ease the severity of such allergic reactions and even help minimize future reactions. By using a clean sea salt or chemical free salt for the saline solution, it not only flushes out the allergens throughout the sinuses, but also helps hydrate the surrounding tissue for combatting inflammation and possible infections.

As good as it is for adults, neti pots may also be used for children who might suffer from allergies. Since the nasal irrigation only uses clean and natural saline solutions, they are perfectly safe for children, however, one very important thing to remember is to follow the procedure properly and make the practice fun and so the children see it as a good experience.

Not Just for Sinuses

While many believe that neti pots only help the nose, it has also been found that for some, regular and proper jala neti practices also help with vision by cleaning out the tear ducts as well as aiding with healthy ear secretions that prevent infection. Making sure the neti pot is used properly will help heal any facial pain from pressure and since they are all connected, will keep a healthy working system between the nose, eyes and ears.

In order to help allergy symptoms that may flare up and affect day-to-day life, trying nasal irrigation with a neti pot at least once a week with a mild saline solution will not only help that, but also overall health of the nasal region for breathing.