I read, recently, that sinusitus is currently one of the top reasons people visit their doctors in the United States. Considering the increasing levels of pollution and chemicals in our environment, it’s not surprising that the number of people suffering from allergies, asthma and other forms of nasal congestion and respiratory illnesses continues to rise.

Although I’m fortunate that I don’t suffer from allergies, I have noticed that the cold winter weather really dries out my nasal passages. I kept hearing about neti (nasal irrigation) pots and the relief they provide, so I thought I’d try one out.

I googled neti pot to learn a bit about it first, found a video demonstration (shown below), and although the  “ick” factor was fairly high, the procedure looked easy enough.  So I purchased one, bought some uniodized salt and gave it a try.  It really is simple, especially once you have the proper head tilt, and yes, my nasal passages felt so much better afterwards!

Neti has been performed by Yoga and Ayurveda practitioners in India for thousands of years. Neti is one of the six purification techniques undertaken prior to practicing yoga to help prepare the body for the yoga practice. Some practitioners believe that jala neti (water cleansing) practice affects the sixth chakra (or third eye), which helps to awaken higher states of consciousness. Alternative health physicians recommend neti to cleanse nasal passages and prevent illness. With scientific studies supporting the effectiveness of neti usage, even MDs are going the natural route and recommending nasal irrigation to sinusitus patients before prescribing medication.

In 2007 Oprah featured the subject on one of her ”Ask Dr. Oz” shows. Amy, an audience member who suffered from sinusitis, bravely demonstrated the neti on national TV.  In a follow-up segment, Amy said both she and her husband now use the neti pot every day and that she no longer suffers from sinus headaches; and a member of Oprah’s Harpo staff, who started using a Neti after the show aired, reported finding relief from her lifelong battle with allergies!

The biological explanation for how the Neti pot works has to do with the tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that line the inside of the nasal and sinus cavities.  (Remember 7^th grade biology?)  The cilia wave back and forth to push mucus either to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed, or the nose to be blown out.  Chronic sinus problems cause the cilia to beat more slowly and inefficiently. The saline rinse helps increase the speed and improve coordination of the cilia so that they may more effectively remove the bacteria, allergens and other irritants that cause sinus problems.

While there are advanced techniques using various herbs and herbal oils, the simplest technique, known as “jala neti” uses water (jala) for the cleansing process. You fill the small teapot-shaped receptacle with a saline solution made up of warm water and non-iodized salt, tilt your head over the sink and pour it into one nostril (see the demo video below). As the water runs out the other nostril, it clears the nasal passages of mucus … and anything else that might be hanging around in there. (Yes, I know … ewww … but you really don’t see anything but clear water.)

About 10% of regular users experience mild side effects, such as nasal irritation and stinging. Nosebleeds can occur but are very rare. Reducing the amount of salt, using non-iodized salt, adjusting the temperature of the water and adjusting the frequency of Neti pot use usually decreases the side effects. The neti should be washed thoroughly and dried completely after each use. Neti pots are inexpensive and widely available in drugstores, health-food stores and on-line.

B.K.S. Iyengar, founder of Iyengar yoga, observed that many of his students weren’t able to achieve proper body alignment in their poses due to physical limitations.  (Iyengar yoga is characterized by precise focus on body alignment.)  He developed props as a means of support so that his students could gently move into and properly hold their postures without strain and injury.

There are a lot of reasons why using yoga equipment may be to your benefit, even when practicing styles other than Iyengar.  If you are new to yoga or recovering from an injury, you’re probably discovering the limits of your flexibility.  If you are an experienced yogi, you know that there are days when poses come more easily to you than others.  Or, as your practice advances, you find that you want to deepen your pose or move into more challenging poses but need a little help.  This is when yoga props become useful.

When choosing your props, think about your personal needs.  Do you have problems with your knees?  Lower back?  Wrists?  Are you unable to touch your toes in a forward bend?  When you sit on the floor, is your back and pelvis straight or rounded?  Do your heels touch the floor during Downward Facing Dog?  Are you able to hold your hips level in Pidgeon Pose? These are some clues as to which props can help you most.

Yoga Mats.  A good yoga mat is an important part of your practice. Its non-slip surface helps to keep you stable while holding your poses and its cushioning provides protection from cold, hard floors.  Mats come in a variety of sizes, weights and thicknesses and are made with a variety of materials, like latex,  rubber or cotton.  Each has its advantages and disadvantages and it comes down to your own personal preferences when selecting your mat.  Many choices are eco-friendly from companies that give back to the earth, like Manduka, Jade and Natural Fitness.

Yoga Blocks or Bricks.  Yoga blocks bring the floor within reach when your flexibility doesn’t allow you to touch it without bending your knees or straining your back.  Blocks aid in helping you maintain proper alignment while performing poses like Triangle or Downward Facing Dog.  They can be made of various materials, like foam or a more eco-friendly cork or bamboo, and are lightweight with beveled edges for comfort.

Yoga Wedges.  A foam wedge is similar to a block, but is longer and is shaped like a triangle.  It’s designed to offer support and prevent over-stretching in poses where you sit — to help keep your back straight, squat or stand — when your heels can’t touch the floor, and core poses – to help keep pressure off your wrists.

Yoga Straps.  Yoga straps come in various lengths and with a variety of clasps to allow for adjustment and quick release.  They are extremely useful for those with limited flexibility or recovering from injury.  They help to increase your reach without strain and hold a pose for longer periods of time without compromising alignment.

Yoga Bolsters & Blankets. Yoga bolsters are large, firm round or rectangular cushions that are used for support for proper alignment while allowing you to relax into stretches and meditation.  Yoga blankets, also known as Mexican blankets, are used in the same manner, but can also be used to keep you warm during restorative poses.

Sandbags.  Yoga sandbags hold up to 10 lbs of sand or rice.  Sandbags allow you to gently fall deeper into your stretch and increase your flexibility over time.

Yoga Towels.  I’d like to mention one more item that isn’t really a part of traditional yoga props.  However, during some yoga practices, such as Bikram or hot yoga and Ashtanga yoga, your body heats up and creates a lot of sweat.  Even on the stickiest of mats, you may find that your hands and feet slip.  Placing an absorbent towel on top of your mat can solve this problem and allow you to enjoy your practice to its fullest.

Yoga props can help all yogis at every level.  When you pay attention to your body and respond to its needs, you’ll avoid injuries and get the most out of your practice.

Namaste!