Small cavities in your nasal passages are known as sinuses. When sinus problems occur, you may experience headaches or breathing problems. Specific yoga poses may bring relief to sinus trouble. As with any new exercise program, consult your doctor before starting.
Shoulder Stand
Shoulder stand, or salamba sarvangasana, helps treat sinus blockages, according to yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar. It is best to perform shoulder stand under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher to avoid injury to the cervical spine. While lying on your back, bend your knees in toward your face. Place both hands near your tailbone for support and straighten both legs. Hold for up to three minutes.
Supported Half Plow
To perform supported half plow pose, or ardha halasana, you will need a chair positioned behind you for assistance. Lie on your back and come into shoulder stand. The chair should be positioned above your head. Bend from the waist and place your legs on the chair. Stay in the pose for up to three minutes. This pose is effective treatment for sinusitis, according to advanced Iyengar teacher Dean Lerner.
Supported Bridge
Supported bridge pose, or setubandha sarvangasana, may help bring relief to sinus headaches. Start by placing two yoga bolsters on the floor in a vertical position. Lie on the bolsters face up with the back of the head and top of the shoulders touching the floor. Relax your arms in a natural position and stay in the pose for up to eight minutes. Exit the pose by gently rolling to one side.
Downward-Facing Dog
Downward-facing dog pose, or adhomukha svanasana, may help relieve sinus congestion. Start by coming to your hands and knees. Lift your knees off the floor and lengthen your tailbone toward the ceiling, forming your body into a V-shape. Press your weight evenly into your hands and keep your spine in a neutral position. Stay in the pose for one minute.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Acute Sinusitis
- "Yoga, The Path to Holistic Health"; B.K.S. Iyengar; 2001
- "Yoga Journal"; Yoga for Sinusitis; Dean Lerner
