Holes in my head

I had a cold last month, so I thought I was done for the season. But slowly and unmistakeably I came down with another one this week. When you around airplanes, kids, and holidays, it is almost unavoidable and you have to be ready for it. Ick, not another cold.

I was sure I could sleep it off, so I made a valiant effort.

But no. The sore throat and mouth-breathing persisted.

In the background lurked John's neti pot. He has been a devotee of this Hindu Ayurvedic sinus-rinsing process for years. I have always avoided the little nose-teapot thing because I thought it was gross.



On the other hand. What's the worst thing that could happen? So yesterday I had John teach me how to use a neti pot, and wow, I suppose I knew this but I never really thought about all of those holes in my head. Tunnels: it's like a subway system, all connected. Next stop: your other nostril!




This morning I was even more congested than yesterday, so I used the neti pot again and without John's tutelage it was not a pretty sight. My inner subway system had created a detour and the saline solution exited...surprise!...out of my mouth and all over my pajama pants. While it was doing this, "the worst thing that could happen" actually occurred to me: when I was little one of my brothers told me I could drown in a teaspoon of water if I ingested it wrong. I never believed that until this very moment. Too late! I was doomed to drown in a neti pot.



Well no, not really. I didn't drown, I only gagged. And I think my cold might be getting better.




Isn't it amazing how You Tube has a video for EVERYTHING?

I only plan to make this a once-in-awhile thing. A study published last year, cited in Wikipedia, states that frequent use may lead to even more sinus problems, while occasional use is beneficial. Everything in moderation, yes sir.