Neti Pot: The History
The neti pot was developed in India centuries ago as a way to practice Jala Neti. This is the ancient Hindu practice of cleansing the breathing passages in the head with the use of a pot and a specially mixed cleansing solution.
Prior to neti pot use, the cleansing technique was performed by yogis (professional yoga practitioners) with a fairly short string that was passed from one nostril through to the back of the throat and out of the mouth. As the string passed through the breathing passages, it cleared and purified the breathing passages from excess mucus and maximized the specialized Yoga breathing techniques that were developed for good health.
This cleansing technique is tied to Ayurveda, which in Sanskrit means “longevity related to knowledge”, or in other words, is an ancient holistic practice for health, healing and overall well-being. The entire cleansing ritual was thought to bring forth many physiological benefits, healing powers, psychological benefits and even in some cases, clairvoyance. This was all to aid in the best possible quality of life and spiritual fulfillment.
While the string was used as a nasal irrigation tool at first, it would be many years later that the neti pot would be designed, and the practice of nasal irrigation with water took its place.
Ancient Neti Pots
The first neti pot forms were made by hand with clay. They were small pots that would hold enough water to clearly irrigate each nasal passage prior to yoga breathing sessions and the cleansing solution comprised of a lukewarm isotonic salt solution.
Modern Neti Pots
The modern neti pots have changed very little in terms of shape and size, though there have been a couple of main changes to help make the experience more comfortable and safe. Most of the pots today will have a special cone-tipped spout or spout attachment for a tighter seal and more comfort in the nostril. The other difference is that clay neti pots are solemnly used, but rather an array of other materials like ceramic, plastic, glass and stainless steel and copper. These materials are far more popular for safety and cleanliness.
Since clay is a very porous material, it is easy for different particles to get stuck in the pores within the pot, then being mixed in the saline solution. This may cause some problems during and after the nasal irrigation practice due to the fact that bacteria and foreign particles are being introduced into the nasal cavity, rather than being flushed out. If the particles get stuck in a nick or dry spot, it may turn into an infection or greatly irritate the sinus area.
The saline solution has also changed a little, but only with the types of salt and other additions to the saline mix. The most common salt that is still used is sea salt, but there are other natural, chemical-free salts that are found in the market, specifically for nasal irrigation. Also, most of the pre-mixed solutions will include a buffering agent like sodium bicarbonate to ease the saline through the nasal passages without irritation.
The neti pot is certainly a wonderful device created thousands of years ago that has great physiological and psychological benefits for everyone and it is simply a matter of giving it a try to reap the rewards.