How Yoga Helps to Avoid Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a medical condition where the patient suffers from acute pain around the nose and forehead. Sometimes severe headaches. This article provides tips on how to combat with Sinusitis through Yoga.

Here are few asanas and breathing techniques which can be practiced on an empty stomach to get relief from Sinusitis.

Note: You must learn the techniques mentioned in this article from a trained instructor.

Breathing techniques

Breathing techniques are integral part of yoga. They help in elevating the energy and immunity levels. Reduce stress and thus bring relief from any kind of pain.

1. Ujjayi breath:

Ujjai means victory. This breath not only calms down your mind but also allows your lungs to flush the toxins from the body.

Dos & Don’ts:

  • While or after practicing Ujjai, you might experience dryness in your throat or slight dizziness. Drinking 4-5 litres of water a day helps.

  • If you had undergone any surgery specially nose or throat, consult your doctor before practicing this breath

2. Kapalbhati:

Benefits:

  1. Unblocks the nostrils

  2. Elevates energy levels

  3. Improves blood circulation

Dos & Don’ts:

  • Ideal to practice with eyes closed.

  • After each round of Kapalbhati, relax for 15 seconds and observe your inhalation and exhalation.

  • Do not practice Kapalbhati if you have any of the following conditions:

    • Hernia

    • Liver ailments

    • Diarrhea

    • Lungs cancer

    • Ladies during periods or pregnancy

    • High blood pressure

    • Glucoma

3. Bhastrika:

This technique is called bellows breath.

  • It is an instant energizer.

  • Unblocks the nostrils.

  • Improves blood circulation.

Dos & Don’ts:

  • Do not practice Bhastrika if you have any of the following conditions:

    • Hernia

    • Liver ailments

    • Ladies during periods or pregnancy

    • High or low blood pressure

    • Glucoma

    • Heart ailments

4. Nadishodhan:

  • Cleanses the right and left nostrils.

  • Calms down the mind.

  • Brings relief from pain caused by Sinusitis.

Dos & Don’ts:

Nadi shodhan followed by few minutes of meditation is an excellent remedy to get rid of physical/mental pain.

5. Sudarshan Kriya:

  • A rhythmic breathing technique.

  • Pumps in oxygen in every cell of your body and boosts your immunity level.

  • Most easy and yet powerful way to enhance energy levels and experience peace.

Yoga Poses

1. Surya Namaskar:

A sequence of twelve yoga postures which make the body and mind flexible. Done at fast pace, Surya Namaskar is an excellent cardio vascular activity.

  • Flushes the toxins.

  • Opens up lungs and improves the blood circulation.

  • Balances the water, fire, and air elements in the body and thus avoids cold and cough.

  • Improved blood circulation reduces aches caused by Sinusitis.

Good to start with at least 3 sets of Surya Namaskars.

Dos & Don’ts:

  • Ideal to practice at the time of sunrise or sunset.

  • Must relax in Shavasan for few minutes after practicing Surya Namaskar.

  • Avoid doing surya namaskars or consult your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

    • High or low blood pressure.

    • Glaucoma

    • Heart ailments

    • Severe back pain

    • Highly obese

    • During pregnancy or periods

2. Dhanurasan:

  • Opens up the chest, neck and shoulders and encourages deep breathing.

Dos & Don’ts:

  • Avoid or consult your physician if you have sever back pain or liver ailments.

3. Setu Bandhasan:

  • Stretches the chest, neck and spine.

  • Opens up the lungs.

  • Brings relief from Sinusitis.

Hold the posture for 30 seconds or more. You may practice 2 to 3 rounds of Setu Bandhasan.

Dos & Don’ts:

  • Avoid if you are suffering from hypothyroid.

4. Matsyasan:

  • Stretches the chest and neck.

  • Brings relief from respiratory disorders.

Jal neti to clean the nostrils and mucus

This ancient technique cleanses the nostrils and accumulated mucus from the nostrils. Brings relief from Sinusitis and reduces the effects of nasal infections.