Pranayama for Colds and Sneezes

One of my students asked me if there is a particular yoga exercise/posture to help with wheezing. This is not a chronic problem with her, just associated with occasional respiratory stuff like colds. I taught her the humming breath, on the theory that the vibration in the chest might help & feel good. She liked it, but I was only guessing. Any thoughts?

ANSWER:

From Hanuman (George) Novak, Spring 2001

Smile-utations Lisa

Wheezing can manifest for a variety of reasons, and that will determine what can be done, and I think that an MD would be the best person to make that determination. If it is just stress, then using the breath and relaxing is an excellent technique, but if it is a mild bronchitis or asthma then a more clinical approach might be advisable. Not to abandon breath exercises. They are always good for us.

May your days be as wonderful as you are ...

Hanuman (George A. Novak)

ORIGINAL QUESTION:

Hi I'm Mary Everett YTT'01:

One of my pregnant ladies is continuously getting colds and sinus infections. She wondered if i ever heard of any pranayama techniques to help her clear this up. She said she went to a workshop years ago that was different techniques including one for this purpose but she couldn't remember. I'm at a loss. All i could suggest was neti and no inversions but i told her I'd check my resourses. Any ideas?

Thanks

Mary E

ANSWER:

From Kimberly Dixson:

Hi Mary, I was told nadi shodanham (SP?) alternate nostril breathing is the best for clearing it out...also inverted poses help drain sinuses.

hope this helps ;)
Kim RYT

From John Tonin AYYT 1990:

Hi Mary,

Check out page 34 of the FEB 2003 Yoga Journal article titled "SINUSITIS SURVIVAL". Basically, researchers in Sweden have discovered that humming and OMing help to ventilate and open the sinuses. The article also gives instructions on using the neti pot.

Blessings

John Tonin AYTT 1990s