REMEDIES: How to Do a Sinus Irrigation --humming also works!

[Guest guest]

Good information. Here is some research about another, perhaps safer,

approach to dealing with sinu problems and upper respiratory

infections:

 

Humming May Help Reduce the Incidence of Sinusitis & Upper

Respiratory Infections

 

In a study that was reported in the American Journal of Respiratory

and Critical Care Medicine (2002; 166: 144-145), researchers at the

Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden found that nitric oxide

levels in the sinuses were 15 times higher during humming than during

normal, quiet exhalations. Nitric oxide (NO) helps to dilate the

capillary beds and increase blood flow. Humming had the effect of

dramatically increasing the gas exchange in the nasal sinuses. If

fact, during normal exhalation the gas exchange between the nasal

passages and the sinuses was about 4 percent. When the volunteers

(all " healthy " ) hummed, the gas increase incased to about 98 percent.

 

A poor exchange of gas, as well as poor circulation, in the sinus

cavities, creates an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and

viruses. And this can quickly lead to infection. Based on the results

of their study, the researchers believe that regular breathing

exercises that involve humming may be able to help reduce the

incidence of sinusitis and infections in the upper respiratory tract.

---------

 

So, if you have sinus problem, try humming several times a day for

several minutes a day. Not only is it safe and often effective, but

it is also a wonderful way to begin strengthening your diaphragm.

What's more, it's fun.

 

Dennis Lewis

http://www.authentic-breathing.com

 

, WildMouse <wildmouse@i...>

wrote:

> How to Do a Sinus Irrigation

> by Cathy Wong

>

> Sinus irrigation, also known as a sinus wash or lavage, is a simple

> procedure that can help to increase drainage of the sinuses. For

people

> with seasonal allergies, sinus irrigation can help to remove pollens

> from the nose. It has been recommended by physicians for decades,

and

> its use dates further back in traditional Eastern practices.

>

> There is some debate over the type of fluid that should be used for

the irrigation:

>

> Isotonic saline solution - has a similar salt concentration as body

fluids.

>

> Hypertonic saline solution - because of the higher salt

concentration, a

> hypertonic solution is thought to be better at reducing swelling of

the

> mucous membranes. Although some research shows that hypertonic

solutions

> are more effective than isotonic solutions, other studies show that

> hypertonic solutions decrease sinus drainage and movement of the

cilia,

> which are cells that " sweep " the sinuses and push particles out.

>

> Locke-Ringer, Gleichenberger, and Ems salt solutions - from the few

> research studies conducted, these solutions do not appear to

decrease

> ciliary movement, making them preferable to hypertonic saline

solutions.

>

> Ingredients for an Isotonic Saline Solution

> 1 teaspoon of salt (kosher, canning, pickling, or sea salt is

preferable

> to table salt.

> 16 oz. of room temperature water (0.47 liter or 1 US pint)

> 1 teaspoon of baking soda

>

> Instructions

> 1. Mix the ingredients together in a clean container with a tight

cover.

> This recipe can be halved and used for seven days. Do not store for

> longer than seven days.

>

> 2. A clean rubber-topped dropper can be used. If unavailable, an ear

> syringe or any dropper from a pharmacy, neti pot (a " tea pot " for

the

> nose), or a clean hand can be used. I used a clean dropper top from

an

> empty herbal tincture bottle.

>

> 3. Place some solution in the upper nostril. Plug that nostril and

tilt

> the head slightly back and to the opposite side so the fluid runs

out

> the other nostril. Place some more fluid in the upper nostril, then

tilt

> the head slightly backward and to the same side to reach the

sinuses.

> Repeat this procedure with the other nostril. Wash the dropper

with hot

> water before dipping it back into the solution container to prevent

contamination.

>

> 4. Gargle with some solution, letting it wash the back of your

throat.

>

> 5. Blow your nose gently.

>

> This procedure can be done once a day for mild symptoms of chronic

> sinusitis or for prevention during allergy season.

>

> Precautions and Risks

> Over-irrigation can compromise the ability of the sinuses to fight

> bacteria. People with acute sinusitis should avoid this procedure,

since

> it can facilitate the spread of bacteria and cause more serious

> infection. People with deficient immune systems should always

consult a

> health practitioner before trying this procedure.

>

> ***

> Sourced from

http://altmedicine.about.com/library/weekly/aa060702b.htm