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How to Cleanse Your Sinuses

Millions of Americans deal with sinus problems and suffer from chronic headaches, facial pain and clogged nasal passages. Cleaning sinuses can be done effectively with warm water, salt, and the help of something called a Neti Pot--a nasal saline irrigation system that flushes out the nasal cavity. The Neti Pot, which originates from yoga tradition, is a small ceramic vessel which resembles a teapot. Using a Neti Pot entails running warm salt water into one nostril and out the other.

Things You'll Need

  • Neti Pot
  • Water
  • Sea salt
  • Tissue
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Instructions

  1. Using a Neti Pot to Clean Your Sinuses

    • 1

      Make the saline solution. Fill the Neti Pot with water and add ¼ to ½ tsp. of salt (sea salt is best). Heat the solution on the stove in the pot until the salt is completely dissolved.

    • 2

      Let the solution cool. You don't want to insert boiling hot water into your nostrils, so let the solution cool until it is lukewarm.

    • 3

      Bend over a sink. Begin to breathe naturally through your mouth. Opening the mouth wide will close the air passage to the nose so that no water can get into your mouth or throat. If you do this first, you will avoid the uncomfortable feeling of having water in your airways. Place your head over the sink, bend your neck down and focus your eyes downwards.

    • 4

      Put the Neti Pot spout into your right nostril. This will feel odd at first. You might want to massage your nose to form a seal to avoid any outer leakage. With your head over the sink, roll it to the left side. Experiment with your head posture until water is flowing out of your left nostril. Once the water is coming out, only move the Neti Pot to keep the water pouring in.

    • 5

      Keep pouring water for about 10 seconds or so until you feel the whole flow of the water going through your sinuses. Remember to breathe through your mouth. This will prevent drainage behind your nose into your mouth.

    • 6

      When the pot is empty, remove the spout and exhale through your nose, then use a tissue to blow your nose.

    • 7

      Repeat the entire process through the left nostril.

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