Sinus Problems and the Neti Pot If You Can’t Go Body Surfing

Sinus infections were a recurring fact of my life from childhood until my mid-forties. Now I regularly use what is known as a Neti Pot to assist me when my sinuses are congested. Before I tell you how and why to use it, I’ll share with you how I got rid of deep sinus infection in just a few hours. Unfortunately, this cure won’t be accepted by the IRS as a medical deduction and hasn’t been evaluated by the FDA.

The Pain of Recurrent Sinus Infections

When I was a teenager I learned that I was in danger of getting worse anytime I took cold medicine to clear congestion. It had the effect of thickening my mucus and I ended up with one painful sinus infection. I’d run off to the doctor (actually I’d call Dad) and get a prescription for an antibiotic to clear the sinus infection.

Once my sister called me and asked how I would know I had a sinus infection. Other than tenderness and difficulty breathing, the major clue was green mucus. (Out of deference to my mother who hated the word “snot,” I only used that term when I was being wicked with Mom.) When asked, my sister admitted she had the tell-tale green mucus.

Years of Suffering Disappeared in Just a Few Hours

In all honesty, which would be refreshing, wouldn’t it, I didn’t know that I had discovered a really fun… and very expensive cure for chronic sinus infections. Only upon reflecting back a year did I realize I hadn’t had one of my every few months sinus infections in a year or more since the cure.”

Here’s what you need.

A salty body of water with really good waves. Mine was the Pacific off the coast of Mexico. A friend who drags you out to the waves to go bodysurfing. (My chiropractor later asked, “Aren’t you a little old for this?” as she adjusted my back a week later.) Having a blast in the waves for a few hours. Blow the mucus out of your nose.

Towards the end of my bodysurfing experience, I had to blow out the stuff that was coming out of my nose. Yes, I know… TMI (too much information). Anyone whose played in the water for any period of time knows they have to do this. My experience this time was different from before. When I blew my nose I had some very pretty and very bright yellow mucus. Since that time I’ve not had another sinus infection.

The Neti Pot

This little ceramic device, which looks like a modified tea pot, has been used for centuries in India. It’s now made its way to the US. You fill it with warm water, add a little salt and pour the water through one nostril and it will come out the other nostril. Yes, standing over the sink is required. Repeat with the other nostril.

This little procedure keeps your sinuses clear. If you’re congested, it will help clear out the congestion. It also removes pollens and such if you’re having allergy problem. You will need to do it several times a day unless you are simply using it as a preventative.

If you’ve never used one, this process may sound really gross (excuse the technical term) to you. Get over those feelings and give it a try. It will help you breath during those times of cold or flu when you feel like you just can’t get your nose clear.