I first heard about a neti pot on a local public access television program.  An interviewer was talking to a man who made his living creating sound effects with his voice.  This man’s voice was his livelihood.  He was the first person I heard to describe the use of a neti pot and had nothing but good things to say about it.  He had used it for years and believed it kept him healthy and his voice finely tuned.

So began my interest in exploring the mysterious neti pot.  I researched the neti pot more and decided to purchase one at a local drug store.  I rushed home, read the instructions, and used my neti pot for the very first time.  I was hooked!

A few months after I starting using a neti pot for nasal irrigation, I saw Dr. Oz talking on Oprah about its many benefits and he actually had a young lady give a demonstration of its use on the show.  After the neti pot appeared on Oprah, I noticed they started popping up at the front counters of most major chain stores.

So what is a neti pot and how do you use one?

A neti pot is a small “gravy bowl” shaped container that one fills with a solution of slightly salted water for the purpose of nasal cleansing.  Nasal cleansing is not a new practice but has been around for many years, particularly among practitioners of yoga.  The basics of the technique are as follows:

  1. The spout end of the neti pot is placed in one nostril.
  2. The user tilts their head forward slightly and to the opposite side the spout was inserted into.
  3. The neti pot is then tilted up which allows gravity to move the saline solution into one nostril and out the other.  On its journey through the nasal cavity, the water removes dirt, debris, and built up mucus.
  4. Once the neti pot is emptied, refill it and repeat the procedure tilting your head the other direction and inserting the spout in your other nostril.
  5. After emptying the neti pot through the second nostril, allow the remaining liquid in your nasal cavity to drain out and then very gently blow your nose to expel all remaining solution.  (Watch the video below for a demonstration.)

So what does this process feel like?  Putting a saline solution up your nose couldn’t possibly feel good!!  Relax.  It’s really not that bad and it can be a very pleasant experience – one you might have to get used to.

I personally practice nasal cleansing at least twice every day and find it very helpful for clearing my nostrils prior to a yoga or meditation session.  Some people choose to only use a neti pot when they feel a cold coming on.  You can use it as often or as little as you like as the saline solution is perfectly natural!  Consult a physician if you have any reservations about using a neti pot before you try it.