How to Use Nasal Irrigation to Clear Sinus

Nasal irrigation is the practice of flushing excess mucus and irritants from the sinuses. The practice originated in India but is used by people all over the world. According to The New York Times, nasal irrigation can reduce symptoms of allergies and other sinus problems. You can perform nasal irrigation to clear your sinuses by using a weak saline solution applied with a neti pot, a small pot with a long spout on one end.

Things You'll Need

• Neti pot
• Saline solution

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove the lid from your neti pot. If your pot includes sodium packets for mixing the saline cleansing solution, pour the contents of one packet into your neti pot and fill with warm (not hot) water. If you do not have a sodium packet, add one-quarter teaspoon of fine, non-iodized salt or one-half teaspoon of coarse ground salt to the neti pot with 8 ounces of warm water.

• 2

  Shake the neti pot or stir the water and salt with a spoon to thoroughly mix the solution and dissolve all the salt.

• 3

  Lean over the bathroom sink, toilet or bathtub. Tilt your head to the side and place the spout of the neti pot into one nostril. If your head is tilted to the left, place the spout into your right nostril. If your head is tilted to the right, place the spout into your left nostril.

• 4

  Breathe through your mouth. Lift the neti pot high enough for the solution to flow through your sinuses. When the neti pot is half empty, put it down and gently blow your nose.

• 5

  Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the opposite nostril. Gently blow your nose to remove remaining mucus or debris.