Though acupuncture may seem like an “out-there” alternative remedy, it has been utilized for thousands of years and has been the subject of many scientific studies that have proven its efficacy. Electroacupuncture is just the most recent development of this long-standing practice. Though you may not like the idea of becoming a human pincushion, you may want to consider electroacupuncture, especially if you desire to reset your hormones and help restore your body to a state of balance.
Sun Gazing: What is it and Should You do it?
You may have heard mention of sungazing and been shocked that people willingly stare into the sun for up to 44 minutes each day. Throughout your life, you’ve likely been told time and time again that staring directly into the sun can lead to blindness as the insense UV rays can cause irreparable damage to your retina. This can happen rather quickly, and you may not even realize it since the eyes to not contain pain receptors to let you know that they are being damaged. So why exactly do people stare into the sun on purpose? Read on to find out about the dubious practice of sungazing.
Get Enough Sleep But Still Have Zero Energy? Here’s Why
You’ve likely had the question posed to you, “Are you an early bird or a night owl?” If you struggle with fatigue and tiredness throughout the day, you could respond to this inquiry with “I’m not either. I’m some form of permanently exhausted pigeon.” Even though you try to get enough sleep and regularly reach the “magic” number of 8 hours a night, you may still struggle to stay awake at your desk or find yourself dozing off when your coworker starts to drone on about their family vacation. Instead of just accepting your identity as a permanently exhausted pigeon, it’s time to get to the bottom of your energy crisis and stop relying on caffeine to get you through the day.
Do These 7 Things When You Have Too Many Ideas But Finish Nothing
Are you an idea person? Do you always have new ways of doing things, new systems, new art, goals, or a new career path swirling around your brain? How often do you follow through on those ideas and actually finish them? If you’re like many people, the more choices you have, the harder it is to make one. Instead of being overwhelmed and simply procrastinating everything, try these ideas to make accomplishing your goals and following through on ideas just a little bit easier.
Don’t Make these 4 Neti Pot Mistakes
You’ve likely seen or even used a neti pot before. If you were turned away by the uncomfortable sensation, you might want to give it another try the next time you are struggling with nasal congestion. It is cheap, safe, totally natural, and will allow you to avoid using harmful over the counter decongestions. Here’s everything you need to know about using a neti pot and a few common mistakes to avoid.
Benefits of a neti pot
The neti pot has been used for hundreds of years to ease nasal congestion and dislodge stubborn mucus buildup. Whether you have seasonal allergies or are battling a head cold, you know how frustrating it can be when your sleep is disrupted, and you can’t smell anything due to clogged nostrils. The neti pot is a tool for irrigation that uses a special saline solution to rinse out your nose. Though it may feel strange at first, once you get used to the sensation of water pouring in one nostril and out the other, and as long as you are using it correctly, the neti pot is a safe and effective solution. It helps alleviate congestion and will also reduce inflammation and headaches associated with congestion while clearing out allergens, debris, and bacteria that may build up in the nasal passages.
Neti pots are often used to help moisturize dry nasal passages as well; however, a less intense option such as a gentle nasal spray may be more convenient and practical if you are not struggling with congestion.
Neti pot mistakes
Using it too frequently
Though the neti pot is generally considered safe, there is some evidence that using it regularly could increase your risk of sinus infection. Use it sparingly and only when you are sick or congested.
Not using sterile water
It makes sense that you don’t want to irrigate your sinuses with unclean water. Instead of using plain tap water, be sure to boil it first for 3-5 minutes and then let it cool. This will kill any lingering parasites or diseases. Though it is rare, a parasitic amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleri, has killed several people who failed to sterilize their water before using the neti pot.
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of boiling your water, you can purchase distilled or sterile water in the grocery store.
Failing to clean the pot
Be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect your neti pot in boiling water after every use. Failing to do so could invite parasites and nasty germs, which can survive on your pot and then transfer to your nasal passage. Let it air dry completely before using it again.
Not using a saline solution
Plain water should never be used in a neti pot as it can cause irritated and inflamed nasal passages and is often accompanied by a burning sensation. Always use the included salt packets to make a saline solution.
How to use it
Step 1: Wash your hands and mix the warm, sterilized water with a premixed salt packet designed for neti pot use. You can also mix your own, but it can be hard to find the correct ratio and type of salt. It is best to stick to the premixed packets for safety and ultimate effectiveness.
Step 2: Lean over a sink and tilt your head sideways. Your forehead and chin should be fairly level to avoid having liquid flow into your moth.
Step 3: Breathe through your mouth and place the spout of the neti pot into your upper nostril.
Step 4: Pour some water through so that it flows out your lower nostril. Tilt your head in the other direction and repeat the process.
Step 5: Use a tissue to gently clear out your nostrils of any remaining saline solution or discharge.
Step 6: Thoroughly clean your neti pot with boiling water between every use. Use antibacterial soap or vinegar for a more thorough cleaning every few uses.
Other methods to improve nasal congestion
- Use a humidifier
- Prop yourself up on an extra pillow at night
- Drink lots of fluids
- Take a long, warm shower for a steam treatment
- Use a warm compress on your face
Have you ever used a neti pot? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
-Susan Patterson
7 At-Home Remedies for Chapped Skin and Lips
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with winter that is usually firmly planted in the hate category. Yes, the snow is lovely, and spending the holidays with family is always a treat. However, once the new year rolls around and spring is just a few months away, I’m ready to say goodbye to grey skies, freezing temperatures, and the cracked and dry skin that is my constant wintertime companion. Unfortunately, winter is unavoidable, and so, too, is the struggle that I have in keeping my skin hydrated and healthy. Thankfully, there are ways to keep the dry skin at bay. Instead of turning to chemical-laden products that just cover up the issue, I’ve put together a few of my favorite, all-natural remedies that you can whip up at home.
What is REM Sleep and Why is it Important
It seems crazy that something you spend ⅓ of your life doing is also something that you likely know very little about. You know that it is essential and that you should probably get more. You know that you feel better and can focus better on the next day’s challenges and activities when you have a restful night. But have you ever wondered how sleep actually works? Or what is REM, and why it is so important? Read on to find out more.
Do These 6 Eye Exercises for Healthier Eyes
Unfortunately, if you are searching for ways to improve your vision and ditch those glasses you’ve been wearing since 4th grade, you are not going to find any. At least not without surgery, that is. Vision, and your need for corrective lenses is based on the shape of your eye, the size of your pupil, and the ability to shift focus, not necessarily how strong your eyes are. However, looking after your eyes and keeping your optic muscles strong as well as protecting your eyes from strain are critical components to eye health and can help prevent macular degeneration. Here are a few of our favorite exercises you can do wherever you are to achieve healthier eyes.
Why Oatmeal is the #1 Best Breakfast Food
Finding the perfect breakfast food that will help wake you up and keep you full until lunch can be incredibly challenging. Plus, it can be hard to find something that you won’t get bored of after a few weeks. Though smoothies can often fill this purpose, chilly mornings call for something a little more warming to tempt you out of bed and help motivate you to take on the day. A famous, popular, totally customizable, but often forgotten breakfast may be the answer for all of your winter morning needs. Read on to find out why oatmeal is the ultimate breakfast food.
Traveling This Christmas? Here’s How to Stay Healthy
Spending Christmas with family can be wonderful and gives you a great chance to create new memories, reminisce on old ones, and catch up on the craziness of the previous year. Unless you live in the same area as your family, you are likely going to be doing some traveling this holiday season. We all know how hard traveling can be on your routine. You don’t have time for exercise, you’re eating unhealthy food that you didn’t cook yourself, and you’re doing a lot of sitting. But believe it or not, it is possible to take care of your body while you’re away from home. Here is our survival guide for how to stay healthy as you travel this Christmas.
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