Yoga for sinusitis and home remedies for nasal congestion

Any change of season can aggravate a host of health problems. This is especially true for those who have allergy or sinusitis. If a stuffy nose or throbbing headache due to these health concerns keep you awake most of the night and lead to running nose and constant sneezing relapse during the day, read on. Certain home remedies and yoga for sinusitis can help relieve you of discomfort.

Health Shots got in touch with Dr Vikas Verma, Director, Shashvat Ayurveda, Chandigarh, to understand yoga for sinusitis can be helpful.

Practice this yoga daily for sinusitis relief

Allergies, sinus congestion, and blocked nasal passages have become common in our hectic lifestyles. But even certain basic daily yoga practices and home remedies can ease these discomforts. But you must do them consistently.

1. Anulom Vilom (Alternate nostril breathing)

“Anulom Vilom Pranayama is a breathing technique that clears out all blockages from the body and also helps calm the body and mind,” says the expert.

How to perform this?

• Sit comfortably relax and close your eyes.
• Cover your right nostril with the right thumb and start inhaling through the left nostril.
• Now exhale through the right nostril while covering the left nostril. Repeat this process 5-10 times. This practice calms the nervous system and cleans the nasal passages.

2. Bhramari (Bee breath)

Bhramari relieves tension and congestion. This is very helpful for people with blocked nose.

How to perform this?

• Sit in a comfortable position on your yoga mat, and gently cover your ears with your thumb keeping your eyes closed.
• Now inhale deeply, then let out a bee-like humming sound. Repeat the process 5-7 times.

3. Jalneti (Nasal cleansing)

The practice of Jal Neti clears mucus and dirt from the nasal passages.

How to perform this?

• Mix a teaspoon of non-iodized salt in warm water.
• Use a neti pot to pour the solution into one nostril then allow it to tickle out to the other.
• Repeat on the opposite side.

Also read: Runny nose, fever and cough could be more than common cold! Know signs of fungal sinusitis

4. Supta baddha konasana (Reclining bound angle pose)

Supta Baddha Konasana is great for enhancing respiratory health.

How to perform this?

• Lie down on your back, bend your knees, and place the soles of your feet together.
• Allow knees to drop out.
• Breathe deeply.
• Improvements in breathing, alleviation from hip strain, and relaxation are all advantages.
• For 5 to 10 minutes, hold.

Home remedies for sinusitis relief

Apart from yoga, you can also try out these home remedies to bring your allergies and sinus-related issues under control.

1. Turmeric and honey

“Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help curb allergies,” says the expert. Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of honey. Consume daily

2. Steam inhalation

The practice of steam inhalation clears congestion and soothes irritated nasal passages.

How to practice?

• Bring the water to a boil, and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil.
• Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes.
• This clears congestion and soothes irritated nasal passages.

3. Ginger tea

Boil slices of ginger in water, then pour honey and lemon in the water. Drink this tea 2-3 times a day. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate sinus issues..