It’s that time of year again! We lose the summer humidity, the furnace runs constantly and my sinuses get so congested I can’t think straight. There are lots of recommendations for keeping sinuses working properly. Run a humidifier, avoid mucous-producing foods, take a steamy shower….
Here are some suggestions from the practice of yoga and Ayurveda. Try one or all of them! Here is a video of me doing the techniques: https://youtu.be/Si9f2M3w7zs
Yogi Tongue: Firmly press the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth right behind the two front teeth while practicing a favourite breath technique or any of the below techniques.
Self Massage: Face and Neck. Grab your favourite face oil or lotion and treat yourself to a massage! Those trendy beauty rollers and face sculptors work great, too.
Tapping: With one of both hands, perform a gentle tapping massage on the top of the head, forehead, face and collar bones/chest.
Nasal Release: Using the thumb and first finger of one hand on the bridge of the nose, at the base of the eyebrows gentle pressing upwards. Place the thumb and first finger of the other hand just below that on the bridge of the nose, and gentle pull down.
Forehead press: This can be done lying down, with someone overlapping their hands on your forehead and applying gentle pressure.
Essential oil: I put a drop of both eucalyptus and peppermint in a mug and then fill with boiling water. I DO NOT drink it, but I hold it to warm up and breathe deeply allowing the warmth and essential oils to do their work.
Single Nostril Breath of Fire: Block off one nostril. Just as in breath of fire, take a deep breath in and then up to 25 short bursts/puffs of breath out the unblocked nostril. Allow the diaphragm to bounce back between exhales so that you don’t run out of air.
Bees Breath or Humming: Create a vibration to loosen up your congestion and allow it to release.
ZenwithGwen 