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A neti pot is a small pot used for irrigating the nasal passages.[1] Typically it has a spout attached near the bottom, sometimes with a handle on the opposite side.
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Contents
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Construction
Neti pots can be made from clay, glass, various metals, plastic, or ceramic. The most durable kinds are made out of either metal or plastic. Some modern variants available from chemists (pharmacies) are made of flexible plastic and can be condensed to exert additional pressure.[citation needed]
Alternatives
Neti pots flush out the nasal cavities by using gravity to draw the flow of saline. In recent years alternative strategies have been developed,[2] including bulb syringes in which the flow is created by squeezing a bulb and more advanced 'pulsatile devices' which mechanically pump the saline.
It is claimed that bulb syringes provide the user with complete control over the pressure.[citation needed] Pulsatile devices either pump at a constant pressure or require the user to turn a control knob. Neti pots, on the other hand, require the user to turn the head (with the neti pot inserted) in order to control the pressure.
History
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Historically, neti pots were used in yoga to assist in clearing the nasal passages, since controlled breathing plays a central role in yoga. The neti pot was introduced to the West approximately thirty years ago, and today many people in the West have taken up a modified type of Neti practice called Jala Neti (water neti) using a neti pot.
The use of a neti pot requires mixing up a saline solution (salt and water) that will be poured through the nasal passages. The neti pot used with a saline solution has been shown to be an effective treatment for hay fever, sinusitis, and other nasal conditions. Both isotonic and hypertonic saline is used for Neti.
In modern times, saline nasal irrigation (SNI) has become more widely accepted as a home remedy to relieve conditions such as allergies (such as hay fever), colds and mild sinus infections. Clinical studies have looked at SNI for the treatment of a number of other nasal conditions including occupational irritants,[citation needed] the common cold[citation needed], post-treatment for nasal surgery,[citation needed] and cystic fibrosis.[citation needed] Most of these conditions see improvement with SNI.[citation needed] Preliminary research indicates that SNI could also be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis[3] and chronic sinusitis.[4]. A study published in November 2009 indicated that frequent nasal irrigation led to higher rates of sinus infections - though short term use seemed to be effective. [5]
See also
References
- ^ Mayo Clinic - What is a neti pot? And why would you use one?
- ^ InterNeti - Jala-neti
- ^ (Rabago & Zgierska, 2009) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19904896?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1
- ^ (Rabago & Zgierska et al., 2002) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12540331?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_SingleItemSupl.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=1&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed
- ^ http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ACAAI/16870?userid=227287&impressionId=1257836779807&utm_source=mSpoke&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DailyHeadlines&utm_content=GroupD
Jefferson, Warren (2005). The Neti Pot for Better Health. Summertown: Healthy Living Publications. ISBN 9781570671869.
External links
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