Yoga can be beneficial for the whole body, including the ears and nose. Yoga can treat a variety of conditions, including balance problems, ear pain and blocked sinuses. Here are some examples.
Balance questions
Balance problems are one of the top reasons people visit an ENT department. Balance is dependent on the ears. As people age, balance systems become less reliable. This can be dangerous as it could lead to a loss of balance, which could result in a fall or breaking a bone. People who have balance issues or vertigo are often referred to the vestibular rehabilitation unit. Vestibular rehabilitation includes exercises to relax the head, shoulder muscles, improve balance and general coordination.
Yoga has many balancing poses that can help prevent the decline of our balance system as we age. For beginners, static balancing poses such as Eagle pose and Tree pose are great. Vertigo sufferers can use the support of the wall to do them. Balance and breathe 2 with Jennilee Toner is a class that focuses on our ability to balance in standing and standing balancing poses.
It is important to relax the neck and head. This can help those suffering from ringing in their ears (tinnitus). This class by Lisa Peterson, Relaxing the neck, shoulders, and head muscles, is a great way to loosen this area.
Jaw and ear pain
Ear pain can be caused by an ear infections, but ENT specialists see many people every year who believe they have an ear problem but actually feel referred pain from their jaw. Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction (TMJ), which is caused by chronic tension and/or teeth grinds that can occur while we sleep, is the diagnosis for jaw pain. Yoga classes teach you to relax your jaw and prevent jaw pain from transferring to the ears.
Below is Esther Ekhart’s Yoga for TMJ Disorder sequence. TMJ disorder and referred ear problems can be treated with trigger point therapy. This involves using rubber massage balls to loosen the knots in your masseter muscle, the main muscle of your jaw. To relax and rejuvenate your face and muscles, Nichi Green recommends Yamuna Face Lift.
Sinusitis
Clogged sinuses are another common problem that ENT specialists have to address. Sinuses that are not able to drain properly can become swollen, inflamed and full of mucus. Sinusitis can make it difficult to practice yoga. However, there is an Ayurvedic treatment that involves salt, distilled waters, and a squeeze bottle that looks like a teapot. Andrew Wrenn explains how to use a Netipot , which is a recommendation from ENTs.
The sinuses can also be helped by humming, which increases the air flow between the nasal cavities and sinuses. This can be put into practice by practicing Bhramari Pranayama or the “hummingbee” breath.
You can ease your sinus pressure by turning upside-down with the Downward Facing Dog and Bridge Pose. Plough Pose and Supported Shoulderstand may also be helpful.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux is another issue that ENTs treat often. Acid reflux can be described as a feeling of sour stomach acid crawling up your throat. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes too much, allowing stomach acid to enter your esophagus. Acid reflux most often occurs when meals are too fast, too large or too fat. Conscious, mindful eating can be a great prevention.
Acid reflux can also be prevented by strengthening the diaphragm. The International Journal of Yoga found that acid reflux symptoms were reduced by using the diaphragm-toning breathing techniques of Agni Sara Kriya and Kapalabhati. This is because the diaphragm connects to the LES. Acid reflux is most common after eating. However, these Kriyas should be done before you eat.