8 Best Yoga Poses That Can Help Clear Blocked Sinuses

8 best yoga poses that can help clear blocked sinuses

Sinuses are air-filled cavities that are located within the bones of the skull, especially around the nose and eyes. These cavities are lined with a membrane that produces mucus, helping to humidify and filter the air we breathe. When these sinuses get infected or become inflamed, it leads to sinusitis. This leads to headaches, reduces your ability to smell, congestion and pain in your face. Symptoms of sinusitis can be alleviated through yoga.

Certain yoga poses can help reduce congestion and help in sinus drainage. Practising yoga regularly can help to strengthen the immune system and reduce the risks of inflammation, thereby, improving sinus health. Here, take a look at the eight best yoga poses that can help in clearing blocked sinuses.

Standing Forward Bend

Also known as Uttanasana, this pose can help drain the sinuses by increasing blood flow to the head and promoting relaxation. To do this asanas, stand with your feet hip-width apart, inhale deeply, then exhale and bend forward from the hips, keeping your knees slightly bent. Allow your head to hang heavy and relax your neck.

Child’s Pose

Also known as Balasana, this pose compresses the forehead against the mat, helping to relieve pressure in your sinuses. Start this pose on your hands and knees and then sit back on your heels, reaching your arms forward and lowering your forehead to the mat. Hold this position, and focus on deep and steady breaths.

Downward-Facing Dog

Also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana, this pose helps in drainage and assisting in clearing the sinuses. Start on your hands and knees, tuck your toes and lift your hips toward the ceiling, forming an inverted V shape with your body. Press your palms and heels firmly into the ground while lengthening your spine.

Bridge Pose

Also known as Setu Bandhasana, this pose helps to open up the chest and throat, helping you breathe easily and promote sinus drainage. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Press into your feet to lift your hips toward the ceiling, keeping your shoulders on the ground and your chin slightly tucked.

Seated Forward Bend

Also known as Paschimottanasana, this pose stretches the spine and stimulates the abdominal organs, which can eventually help to get rid of congestion in the nasal passages. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you, inhale to lengthen your spine, then exhale and hinge forward from the hips, reaching toward your feet.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Also known as Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, this helps to balance the flow of air through the nostrils and clear the congestion. Sit comfortably with your spine straight. First, use your right thumb to close your right nostril and your ring finger or pinky to close your left nostril. Inhale through the left nostril, then close it and exhale through the right nostril. Inhale through the right nostril, close it and exhale through the left nostril. Continue alternating nostrils for a few rounds.

Headstand

Also known as Sirsasana, this pose can be beneficial for clearing blocked sinuses by reversing the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid in the body. Perform this pose against a wall for support, while ensuring proper alignment and avoiding strain on the neck. Keep your forearms on the ground, place the crown of your head on the mat and lift your legs toward the ceiling. Hold the pose for a few breaths.

Corpse Pose

Also known as Savasana, this pose allows you to relax completely which can help reduce stress and inflammation that can lead to sinus congestion. Lie on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs extended. Close your eyes and focus on releasing tension.