THE ENTRY THAT BELONGS ON THE OTHER BLOG
Cindy Maddera
Yeah, this really belongs on the yoga blog, but since that doesn't exist yet, I've got to put it here. It took me a while to get used to my Neti pot, but after awhile and learning the proper way to use it, I have learned to love the thing. It has saved me from many sinus infections. I've recommended the neti pot to everyone. So I kind of feel like maybe I should post some tips on the proper way to use the thing. These are things that may or may not have been included in the instructions, but are good to know.
First off, never use the neti right before going to bed. You have to give your sinuses enough time to dry out or any left over fluid will just settle there when you lie down. This can lead to an infection. I've been known to use my neti twice a day during really bad allergy times. It's fine to use it in the evening. Just be sure you give yourself three to four hours to dry out.
A lot of people have complained about the taste. If water is running down your throat and into your mouth, you need to tuck your chin (forehead higher then the chin). Also, it's really important that you don't swallow while using the neti. Your eustachian tubes open when you swallow and fluid can get in. This can lead to an ear infection. Keeping the chin tucked will help.
After you've completed both sides and blown your nose, you need to help start the drying out process. Fold forward from the hip joints and tuck the chin into the chest. Bring head back to neutral and come up half way. Turn the head from side to side a couple of times and then come back up to standing letting the head come back. Then return the head back to neutral. Blow your nose again and then do a moisture test by blowing five times out of each nostril. It should be fairly dry, but you can repeat all that again if you feel like you need to.
I know all this sounds gross and slightly scary. But really, once you get it down, it's really very easy. And as someone prone to sinus infections, I can honestly say that using my neti pot daily has made a huge difference.