A small randomized controlled trial suggests that regularly blowing a conch shell, an ancient yogic breathing practice known as shank blowing, may ease symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Conch shell blowing eased sleep apnea symptoms and improved sleep quality. The practice may provide a simple alternative to machines or medication. A small randomized controlled trial published in ERJ Open Research found that individuals who practiced blowing through a conch shell for six months experienced improvements in their obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms. OSA is a widespread sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops during the night because of airway obstruction. It is linked to loud snoring, poor-quality sleep, and excessive tiredness during the day, and it raises the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Conch shell blowing, also known as shank blowing, has been a traditional practice in India for thousands of years. The study revealed that people with moderate OSA who engaged in shank blowing reported better sleep, greater alertness during the day, and fewer nighttime breathing disruptions. According to the researchers, this practice may represent a simple, affordable approach to easing symptoms without relying on medication or medical devices. OSA is a continuous positive airway pressure machine, or CPAP, which prevents airway collapse by delivering air through a facemask during sleep. Although highly effective, many patients find it uncomfortable and have difficulty using it consistently. fewer symptoms after regularly engaging in shank blowing – a traditional yogic breathing technique that involves exhaling into a conch shell. These reports prompted us to conduct a scientific study to carefully evaluate whether this ancient practice could provide a useful treatment option for people with OSA. The results showed clear differences between the two groups. Those who practiced shank blowing reported feeling 34% less sleepy during the day, experienced better overall sleep, and had four to five fewer nightly apnea episodes (pauses in breathing during sleep) on average compared with the deep breathing group. They also maintained higher nighttime blood oxygen levels.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This Ancient Practice Of Blowing Through A Conch Shell Could Help Treat A Dangerous Sleep Condition
