Yoga for sinusitis: 3 asanas that can give you instant relief

Sinusitis is a fairly common condition in the monsoons. With annoying symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes and a throbbing headache, sinusitis, for some, can become so severe that it may hamper your daily activities. While antibiotics and painkillers might do the trick, these medications often either leave you feeling fatigued and run-down or may have severe side effects. But there is one natural way to beat the sinusitis demon – yoga.

Yoga can help you relieve these conditions and can bring effective reprieve from that annoying, throbbing pain and associated symptoms. In the practice of yoga, it is believed that a person suffering from sinusitis often suffers from digestive system related disorders. While some might have trouble digesting certain foods, others might  develop sensitivity to certain foods over time or have unhealthy eating habits. This is where yoga can help. One of the mainstays of yogic treatment for sinusitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the sinuses) is to practice pranayam, which can help relieve digestive disorders and respiratory ailments. Here are the different yoga asanas and pranayams you could try to find relief from sinus related troubles.
http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/yoga-for-sinus/

Rechak-puraka pranayam: This type of pranayam depends largely on breathing in and breathing out. Unlike other pranayams, rechak-puraka pranayam does not involve holding your breath after inhalation. This form of pranayam activates all the organs of the digestive system, relieving problems like indigestion, acidity, constipation and diarrhea.Rechak-puraka Pranayam also helps your entire endocrine system and makes it function optimally. It stimulates the adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries in females and testicles in males and aids in the proper functioning of the respiratory and circulatory system.

Steps to do this pranayam:

• Start by sitting in Sukhasana or Padmasana.  Remember to keep your back straight, your face looking forward and keep your arms resting on your knees with your palms facing upwards. Join your index finger and thumb, extending the other three fingers outwards.
• Now, exhale slowly through both your nostrils and simultaneously pull your stomach inwards such that you contract your abdominal muscles. This will help expel air from your lungs. Make sure your lungs are completely emptied.
• Next, hold that position for a few seconds and then start inhaling slowly through your nostrils. Inhale as deeply as you can, so that your abdominal muscles and chest expand. Make sure you do this gradually and not abruptly.
• Once you have inhaled completely, start exhaling again. Follow this cycle ten to fifteen times.

Try doing this form of pranayam about ten times initially and then gradually increase the number of times you practice it.

Bhastrika pranayam: According to yoga experts the best time to perform Bhastrika pranayam is in the morning, on an empty stomach. Being one of the most effective breathing techniques, this pranayam can help calm your mind, bring all your doshas (vata, kapha and pitta) into balance and activate your kundalini. The best feature of this breathing technique is that it helps oxygenate your entire body, and relieves any congestion you might have in your nose, throat and sinuses. It is also great for those who suffer from stomach related disorders like indigestion, gas, acidity etc. The movement of the stomach (due to the rapid exhalation and inhalation of air) stimulates the walls of your intestine, helping it eliminate waste matter (also known as ‘ama’ in Ayurveda) and function optimally.  This asana is perfect if you want to achieve a calm mind and good digestion.

Read on to learn about the steps to do this asana.

Shavasana: Also known as the corpse pose, this asana is perfect to relax all the muscles, nerves and organs of your body. It is also great for people suffering from insomnia, high and low blood pressure, gastric troubles and respiratory system related illnesses. Apart from that it also helps beat stress and fatigue.

Read on to learn about how to perform shavasana or yog nidra the right way.  

Yogic tips to keep sinusitis at bay:

1. Avoid having tea of coffee first thing in the morning. You may choose to have some warm water with lemon and honey as soon as you wake up, and then have a cup of tea. According to experts having tea or coffee as soon as you wake up can lead to sinusitis, so it is best you stay away from them.
2. If you are sensitive to milk and milk products, avoid having them. If you find it difficult to avoid milk altogether  substitute it with milk-based products that you aren’t allergic to.
3. Avoid using perfumes or hair oils that have a strong smell as it can trigger inflammation in your sinuses.
4. Avoid eating fried and unhealthy foods very often.
5. Avoid eating foods that have a sharp or spicy flavour.

Disclaimer: This is only an article about yoga asanas to help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. It should not be used instead of professional advice from a trained doctor. Please visit your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Image source: Getty Images