A sinus infection results when the air-filled sinus cavities around the forehead and cheekbones get inflamed or infected. When this happens, fluid cannot drain as it should. Some remedies include resting, sleeping with your head on a pillow and gargling with warm water, according to the Kaiser Permanente website. Also, exercises can help you relieve pressure. Yoga poses, chanting and breathing exercises help clear the nasal passages. Doing exercises in a room with a humidifier may help you breathe more easily.
Shoulderstand
Shoulderstand is a yoga exercise that places your head below your legs. Being upside down helps sinus fluids drain and relieves sinus pressure. To do this exercise, lie face up with yoga mats under your shoulders for comfort. Kick your legs up to the ceiling and hold your lower back and hips to support your torso, according to the Yoga Journal. Remain in this posture until you relax and feel the sinuses open up.
Eka Pada Savangasana
Eka pada savangasana is a modified version of the popular plow stretching exercise. Plow stretches your hamstrings, back and neck, but it is also an inversion similar to shoulderstand. Eka pada savangasana is half plow pose because only one leg lifts over the head and onto the floor. The other leg points straight at the ceiling, and you switch legs periodically. Remain in the posture until you relax and feel the sinuses open up, as with the shoulderstand.
Kapalabhati in Chair Pose
Kapalabhati is a breathing exercise that clears the nasal passages with forceful exhalations. This exercise uses the abdominal muscles to push air out of the nose quickly, and then you let your body inhale deeply and slowly. Inhales are passive. Try this exercise while holding the chair pose. To begin, stand with your feet together and reach your arms overhead with the palms facing inward, shoulder-width apart. Then, bend your knees and hold a squat halfway between standing and where you would be sitting on a chair. Practice breathing in this position and have a tissue handy.
Humming or Chanting
Chanting "Om" is a yoga exercise to focus the mind, but it also produces a positive effect in the sinuses similar to humming. Both humming and chanting increase air flow between the small air ducts that connect the sinuses and your nose. This promotes fluid drainage. Chant or hum daily and consider using a neti pot to clean your nasal passages, too.
