Neti Pots for Nasal Irrigation

While nasal irrigation is a great treatment for sinus and allergy problems, and is often recommended by allergists, the practice is far older than western medicine.  The practice originated with the yogis of India several thousand years ago. I've washed my nose out with a bulb syringe when I had a sinus infection once and was surprised at the amount of mucous that it removed. Since then, I've occasionally used saline nasal spray to help thin secretions in my nose, but don't do so on a regular basis.

I am intrigued by the use of a Netti pot, it is the same idea as a saline wash with a bulb syringe, but on a bigger scale.  Most Netti pots hold 10-15 ounces of salt water for you to run through your sinuses (in on side, and out the other), instead of through your sinuses into the back of your throat.  One of the first websites I came across had a rather unfortunate banner with someone actively flushing their sinuses. If I had never heard of this, I would have been quite turned off by the photo.

Some further searching turned up summaries of medical studies endorsing the practice.  Almost all reviews I found of the products were positive and users raved about decreased problems with allergies and sinus infections. Don't take this as an excuse to  stop taking allergy medications or to go shooting any old water up your nose, but consider investigating this method of sinus cleaning if you are interested.

Links: http://www.bytheplanet.com/Products/Yoga/Neti/Catalog/netipotcatalog.htm

http://www.internatural-alternative-health.com/neti/abstracts-nasal-rinsing.cfm