Fall allergy season is about to creep up on us and with this comes the onset of rhinitis, sinusitis, post nasal drip, runny nose, watery eyes, dry mouth, sinus and chest congestion, scratchy throat…..
This blog is dedicated to understanding the importance of clearing environmental pollutants from our nasal passages.
There are tiny hairs that line the inside of the nose. These hairs help to trap polluted debris from the environment before they enter into the sinus cavities above the bridge of the nose and skull. Unfortunately, those of us that live in the New York metropolitan area (a.k.a. the concrete jungle) are being bombarded by exhaust fumes, dirt and city grime. These particles can irritate the nasal cavity. The irritation will then cause an inflammatory reaction and the body’s immune system will kick into gear and create more mucous. This mucous will coat the tiny hairs and the lining of the nose in order to defend against any more invading pathogens.
Environmental allergens including pollen, dust, animal dander, weeds, etc. will also cause the body to react with an immune response that will result in sinus congestion and mucous production.
I was introduced to using a Neti Pot 5 years ago and I have been a daily fan ever since. The learning curve takes up to two weeks, so be patient! Even if you feel like you are drowning yourself, keep up! It will be worth it in the long run!
So, here goes the instruction:
1. Purchase a porcelain Neti pot (often found in Whole Foods Bath and Body Dept., any Organic Food Store., online you can find a travel pot that is made from durable, dishwasher safe plastic at http://www.omsmedical.com/ )
2. Use organic sea salt (I prefer the finer grade salt). You will use 1/4 tsp in the pot.
Procedure:
- Place the 1/4 tsp of salt into the pot
- Fill the pot with warm water
- Place the tip of the spout up to one nostril (e.g…if you are rinsing the right nostril, you will place the tip of the spout up to the right nostril while tilting your head slightly backwards and slightly to the left)…this head position will allow the water to pour more easily into the right nostril, make its way over the top of the septum and drain down and out of the opposite nostril
- Alternate left and right nostrils until you have a bit of the saline water left in the pot
- Use this remaining water to gargle (this allows any mucous that filtered from the sinus to the back of your throat to be expelled)
Happy snorting!
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