Yoga for Deviated Septum: Breathing Techniques You Can Use for Relief

Practicing yoga doesn’t fix a deviated septum, but it does help open the blocked nasal passage and provide relief from symptoms such as nasal congestion, sinusitis, runny nose, snoring, and nose bleeding.

Yoga for Deviated Septum – Recommended Breathing Exercises

Here are the best yoga breathing exercises that you can do for your deviated septum…

Pranayama: Pranayama is a yogic technique performed to voluntarily control breathing. It can be practiced twice daily for 10-20 minutes. Pranayam includes cycles of inhaling and exhaling. It can be performed sitting on bed, floor, or chair by sitting straight without moving neck or shoulder and without exerting any strain. Research suggests that practicing breathing exercises for three months significantly improves the symptoms.¹Singh, Ram & Wilczynska, Agnieszka & Fedacko, Jan & Pella, Daniel & De Meester, Fabien. (2009). Pranayama: The power of breath. International Journal on Disability and Human Development. 8.

Anulome and velome (Alternate breathing): It includes inhaling through one nostril while the other is blocked with a thumb. After a few seconds, exhalation is performed through the other nostril, keeping the former nostril closed with the thumb. Inhaling and exhaling cycles should be performed gently without any strain for ~10 mins. It helps maintain homeostasis (balance) within the body.²Singh, Ram & Wilczynska, Agnieszka & Fedacko, Jan & Pella, Daniel & De Meester, Fabien. (2009). Pranayama: The power of breath. International Journal on Disability and Human Development. 8.

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Kapalbhati: It includes vigorous active exhalation of breath and passive inhalation. This is performed using diaphragm and abdominal muscles.³Singh, Ram & Wilczynska, Agnieszka & Fedacko, Jan & Pella, Daniel & De Meester, Fabien. (2009). Pranayama: The power of breath. International Journal on Disability and Human Development. 8.Practicing kapalbhati aids in draining of mucus from clogged sinuses and dries up the sinus by increasing temperature within the mucosa (lining of nose of sinus producing mucus).⁴Udayakumara K. Yogic approach for the management of sinusitis. International Journal of Yoga-Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology. 2017 Jan 1;5(1):14.

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Bhramari: In bhramari, the individual blocks the ear canals with both thumbs. Then the air is inhaled through both nostrils and exhaled slowly making loud humming sound, similar to a bee. The humming sound creates vibrations which helps open blocked sinus opening and allows drainage of mucus from clogged sinuses. It also helps prevent growth of microorganisms within the sinuses, reducing the frequency of sinus infections.⁵Abishek K, Bakshi SS, Bhavanani AB. The Efficacy of Yogic Breathing Exercise Bhramari Pranayama in Relieving Symptoms of Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Int J Yoga. 2019;12(2):120-123.

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Ujjayi: It includes breathing through nostrils with constricted throat. It aids in draining of mucus from blocked sinuses.⁶Singh, Ram & Wilczynska, Agnieszka & Fedacko, Jan & Pella, Daniel & De Meester, Fabien. (2009). Pranayama: The power of breath. International Journal on Disability and Human Development. 8.

Bhastrika: It includes vigorous and forceful process of inhalation and exhalation. It aids in clearing of the congested sinuses.⁷Singh, Ram & Wilczynska, Agnieszka & Fedacko, Jan & Pella, Daniel & De Meester, Fabien. (2009). Pranayama: The power of breath. International Journal on Disability and Human Development. 8.

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Asanas: Asanas are different physical postures created by movement of hands and legs in coordination with control over the breathing. Performing asanas improve the circulation of blood in the body. They improve the blood circulation in the areas of sinuses and ventilate the sinuses by enhancing the drainage of mucus.⁸Udayakumara K. Yogic approach for the management of sinusitis. International Journal of Yoga-Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology. 2017 Jan 1;5(1):14.

Sarvanga asana (Shoulder stand): Shoulder stand helps in clearing the nasal blockage and enhances the nasal airflow.⁹Udayakumara K. Yogic approach for the management of sinusitis. International Journal of Yoga-Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology. 2017 Jan 1;5(1):14.

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Simhasana (Lion pose): It aids in clearing the congestion from the blocked nose and sinuses.¹⁰Udayakumara K. Yogic approach for the management of sinusitis. International Journal of Yoga-Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology. 2017 Jan 1;5(1):14.

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Halasana (plough pose): It helps open the congested nose and sinuses by allowing the drainage of accumulated mucus.¹¹Udayakumara K. Yogic approach for the management of sinusitis. International Journal of Yoga-Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology. 2017 Jan 1;5(1):14.

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Bhujangasana (cobra pose): This pose expands the lungs and other respiratory organs and clears the mucus from congested nose and sinuses.¹²Udayakumara K. Yogic approach for the management of sinusitis. International Journal of Yoga-Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology. 2017 Jan 1;5(1):14.

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Meditation: Practicing meditation along with pranayama and asanas instill relaxing effects and helps reduce the mental stress which in turn improves the circulation within in the nose and sinuses.¹³Udayakumara K. Yogic approach for the management of sinusitis. International Journal of Yoga-Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology. 2017 Jan 1;5(1):14.

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YouTube - Yoga for Deviated Septum Videos

Here are some excellent YouTube videos that show you how to do yoga for deviated septum:

Anulome and velome

Kapalbhati

Bhramari

Bhastrika

Ujjayi

Sarvanga asana (Shoulder stand)

Simhasana (Lion pose)

Halasana (plough pose)

Bhujangasana (cobra pose)

Sources:

1
Singh, Ram & Wilczynska, Agnieszka & Fedacko, Jan & Pella, Daniel & De Meester, Fabien. (2009). Pranayama: The power of breath. International Journal on Disability and Human Development. 8.
2
Udayakumara K. Yogic approach for the management of sinusitis. International Journal of Yoga-Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology. 2017 Jan 1;5(1):14.
3
Udayakumara K. Yogic approach for the management of sinusitis. International Journal of Yoga-Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology. 2017 Jan 1;5(1):14.