As I approach 40, I've had some very interesting health "encounters" I never experienced until now. One of these phenomena is eustachian tube blockage or dysfunction and wow I had no idea about this before. I am constantly dizzy, which can be very confusing, and disorienting and make it difficult to live my day-to-day life. You can take over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines to help, but I've been told that this is a "long haul" condition and I will have to deal with the symptoms for a "while."
I wanted to share my story on treating and preventing eustachian tube blockages with the help of my yoga practice, as this is a disorienting condition that can really wreak havoc if not addressed.
The eustachian tubes are small tubes that run from the middle ear to the back of the throat. They play a vital role in maintaining the pressure inside the ear, regulating the fluid in the middle ear, and preventing the buildup of bacteria inside the ear. However, these tubes can become blocked, causing dizziness, and discomfort and even affecting your hearing.
Blocked eustachian tubes can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, sinus infections, colds, and changes in air pressure. Fortunately, yoga can help to clear blocked eustachian tubes and promote healthy ear function.
Yoga and Eustachian Tubes
Yoga can be used to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. When it comes to eustachian tube blockages, specific yoga postures and breathing exercises can help to open up the tubes and promote healthy ear function. The following are some of the yoga poses and breathing exercises that can be helpful in clearing blocked eustachian tubes:
1. Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)
Gomukhasana is a seated yoga posture that stretches the neck and shoulders. It can help to relieve pressure in the ears by opening up the eustachian tubes. To do this pose, sit cross-legged on a yoga mat, with your right knee stacked on top of your left knee. Reach your right arm up and bend it so that your hand is touching the back of your neck. Reach your left arm behind your back and try to clasp your fingers together. Hold the pose for 8-10 breaths, then release and repeat on the opposite side.
2. Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath)
Ujjayi Pranayama is a type of yogic breathing that can help to promote healthy ear function by opening up the eustachian tubes. To perform Ujjayi Pranayama Place your hands on your lap, palms facing upwards. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose. As you exhale, gently constrict the back of your throat, so that you are breathing out through a small opening. You should hear a gentle hissing or ocean-like sound as you breathe. Practice this for 5-10 minutes, a few times a day.
3. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)
Viparita Karani is a restorative yoga pose that can help to boost circulation and promote healthy ear function. To perform this pose, lie on your back with your head close to a wall. Raise your legs up so that they are resting against the wall, forming a 90-degree angle with your body. Rest your arms by your sides and close your eyes, breathe rhythmically and deeply for 5-10 minutes
4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana is a dynamic yoga pose that stretches the chest and shoulders, stimulating the eustachian tubes To do this pose, lie flat on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. As you inhale, press into your hands and lift your chest off the ground, coming into a back bend. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then exhale and release to the ground.
Tips to Clear Your Eustachian Tubes with Yoga
1. Make your breathing slow and deep, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.
2. Stay hydrated to flush out excess fluids in your body
3. Practice regularly
4. Modify your practice to suit your level of discomfort or pain
It is essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, particularly if you are recovering from an illness or injury involving the eustachian tubes.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating yoga into your routine can help to relieve the discomfort and pain associated with blocked eustachian tubes. The above yoga pose and breathing techniques can open up the tubes, improve circulation, and promote healthy ear function. Remember to go slow, be patient with your body, and don't push yourself too hard. When practiced regularly, yoga can help to prevent eustachian tube blockages and promote overall wellness.
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