This is ‘net’ my netty pot.(I know not super original )
I find it incredibly helpful when its dry out, like right now with all the extra smoke.
The science:
Our sinuses are filters, and a microbiome for good bacteria, they clean and moisten air as it moves towards the lungs. They work hard for us 24/7.
To function, there is a collaboration between the tiny hairs that line the sinus cavities and what I will call happy mucus (just the right amount). That adds a protective layer and helps ‘float’ invaders or particles like dust or bacteria out.
When you live in a dry climate like Calgary, sinuses can also become very dry, and cranky. Mucus can compact and cause headaches when the pressure changes. And when you add in smoke, with the fires we’ve been having they become super cranky
And if you’re like me go into hyper mucus production mode ( hello post nasal drip) or blocked sinuses.
Ayurveda see this as an irritated or inflammatory response which is considered ‘fire’, what do we do to put out a fire? Water
or in our bodies case moisture.Think of an irritated eye..and how much it waters. Kinda like that. In Ayurveda, we use a netty pot to cleanse the sinus cavities.
So the antidote: netty pot and sinus oil.
Netty to cleanse, and oil to support the mucous membrane.
A hack: use only clean, boiled or filtered water. Sinuses are super sensitive, we’ve all snorted pool water before…no thank you! Be nice especially when they are already unhappy. Here in YYC, we have relatively clean water but we do have chlorine which can be super irritating. A tip: leave some water out overnight for my morning visit the chlorine will actually dissipate overnight.
Then at night, I put a tiny bit of oil on my finger, and apply inside my nose, then inhale to move it up into my sinuses, usually sesame, gee or olive. (The latter two smell less so first-timers try these)
I also love steaming essential oils or inhaling them after a netty, if you have bacteria it can be a gentle way to support.
I’m personally am not a big fan of essential oils going directly into the sinus due to the delicate bacterial balance. And because..well what if it stings or the smell is too strong, I’d rather inhale and walk away when I’m done than have something stuck in there!!!
Happy sinuses:
dosing: When in need 1x a day can be helpful when clogged up a couple or more times a day to help move the excess mucus out, or as needed. chekc in how does it feel to your body?
Handmade by my friend Adam.
This is no way intended as medical advice purely sharing what I personally find helpful.
