Before I made a commitment to get my health back and discovered the world of holistic healing and wellness, I had some significant sinus issues that resulted in two surgeries.
My first surgery, in my mid 20’s, was for a deviated septum and swollen sinus passageways that were pressing on facial nerves, causing chronic pain and a constant low-grade fever.
Within 10 years, the scarring from that surgery blocked my nasal passages and created chronic congestion and discomfort.
Just prior to my second surgery to clear the scarring and enlarge the nasal openings, a new neighbor introduced me to the neti pot. My friend’s suggestion completely changed my recovery experience the second time around.
I was not allowed to blow my nose for quite some time after my surgery, to allow for tissue healing, so the neti pot was a godsend for removing mucous and dried blood, and allowing me to breathe through my nose.
A neti pot is a sinus irrigation tool. Flooding the sinuses with water cleanses the sinus cavities and is soothing to irritated tissues.
I kept up with my daily neti pot routine for a long time while I was healing my body and developing a healthy lifestyle. It’s been 20 years since that second surgery. The healing choices I made and the healthy lifestyle I have chosen have kept my sinuses healthy for two decades and counting.
When I experience congestion from a cold, I take out my neti pot. It’s always such a relief to flush my sinuses, breathe easier and support my body’s ability to heal instead of suppressing my symptoms. Mucous plays a powerful role in trapping and removing harmful microbes from the body. I desire to let it run its course AND be as comfortable as possible while my body is learning how to defend itself against microbes that don’t play a role in good health.
While water alone can be enough when using the neti pot, adding salt can really enhance the experience and benefits. I’ve tried sea salt and find that it burns, so that’s not a good option for me. I purchased Ancient Secrets Nasal Cleansing Salt, and that has worked beautifully for me. I have a jar of the salt which is convenient for home use, but also purchase their individual packets for use while traveling.
It’s important to consider the quality of the water you are using. If it’s not a clean source, it could introduce additional harmful microorganisms into your body. If you’re not sure about the quality of your water, choose a distilled option.
If you’ve never used a neti pot and have congestion and sinus discomfort from colds, flu’s, seasonal allergies or indoor air, it’s an inexpensive option to consider. While it can also help with chronic sinus issues, I encourage you to dig deeper to find out how to address the root cause. Your body is much more capable of healing than you’ve likely been led to believe.
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