A couple of weeks ago I wrote about my terrible sinus problems and how Down Dog and other inverted poses just makes them worse. I received a comment from a reader suggesting the use of a neti pot. I read about nasal irrigation in my yoga textbooks and have been intrigued by the idea. I've been meaning to buy one and that comment was just the kick in the pants I needed to actually get one. I jumped online and bought one. I was a little disappointed that it took nearly 2 weeks to arrive, but then again the shipping was free so I really shouldn't complain. And the timing of its arrival was perfect.Today was another dreary, rainy, stormy low pressure day here in CT. It's getting to be the norm around here and I'm getting so used to feeling terrible that I almost forget what it feels like to not have a headache and an all over 'icky' feeling. I start off feeling pretty good in the morning, but as the day goes on I feel worse and worse. The 30 minute commute home from work always makes me feel even worse. By the time I get home all I want to do is sleep and today was one of those days. What a great time to test out this new neti pot.
I have to admit the thought of sticking this thing up my nose was a bit scary. I had no idea what to expect and I knew the first time was going to be the hardest. I survived it OK. During my first go of it I did have that moment of wanting to gag when the salty water touched my throat. But I quickly realized that I was holding my breath; exactly what the directions said not to do. So for the next side of my nose I made a better effort to breathe. Actually exhaling seem to do the trick.
The whole process only took about a minute and I have to say . . . I felt so . . . different. I am having a hard time trying to describe the experience. I really and truly felt 'cleaned out' and lighter. It was amazing and I can't wait to do it again tomorrow. What have I been waiting for all this time without one?
3 comments:
Here's a couple of links to articles that explain the proper technique, as well as the benefits of jala neti:
Scientific basis for jala neti
How to properly perform neti
Good luck!
Yogacharya
I really like my neti pot experience. I tend to use the neti pot more during the seasonal allergy time, as if I don't I'll have stuff the proceeds to go down the back of the throat and then I'll lose my voice.
Pretty tough to teach yoga without the voice (at least for me).
I have some articles on the neti pot on my website at
http://yogawithgaileee.blogspot.com/
I'm in Mongolia, and didn't bring my neti pot (mistake...Mongolia is so dry), so I bought a 11 ounce stainless steel tea pot. Just not the same experience, but it works!
gaileee
I suffer from occassional allergies and I've used a neti pot on a couple of occassions when they were especially aweful and over the counter medicines were not helping..I found it helped a lot. Here's an article on webmd about neti pots.
urmaturlife (twitter)
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-pain-pressure-9/neti-pots
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