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Inverted Yoga Asanas (Headstand And Shoulder stand)

Are inverted yoga asanas like sirsasana and sarvangasana recommended for sinus infections?

First let's consider the benefits of Sirshasana (Headstand) and Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand).

1. Helps to relieve mild depression and stress by calming the brain
2. Directly stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands
3. Strengthens the spine, lungs, legs and arms
4. Tones up all the abdominal organs and improve digestion
5. Therapeutic for asthma, menopause symptoms, insomnia, infertility and sinusitis

In Yoga, Sirshasana (Headstand) is considered the king of asanas on account of its myriad benefits. It has long since been proven that standing on ones head properly in alignment helps to calm your brain while strengthening your body. Likewise, Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) is considered just as, if not equally important, ranking close to the Headstand. However, you are advised not to perform Sirshasana (Headstand) without adequate prior experience or without the guidance of a trained, qualified and experienced Yoga instructor. Some Yoga schools recommend doing Sirshasana (Headstand) before Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand), while others suggest it the other way around. Other Yogasanas (poses) recommended for Sinusitis include

• Sethu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose) – This pose helps rejuvenates tired legs and calms the brain.
• Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend) – This is an excellent seated forward bend for all Sinusitis sufferers.
• Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) – This pose very much helps the distracted mind unwind and relaxes it, in the bargain.
• Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) – This is one of the most widely recognized Yogasanas (poses) that is an excellent overall, rejuvenating stretch.
• Halasana (Plow Pose) – This supine pose helps reduce backache and also benefits Sinusitis sufferers.
• Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) – This forward bend helps wake up the hamstrings and soothe the mind, a must for Sinusitis patients

In addition, you should also do the following pranayamas (breathing exercises) and kriyas (cleansing techniques).

Pranayamas (breathing exercises)

1. Kapalabhatti (Skull cleansing)
2. Anuloma-Viloma (Alternate nostril breathing)
3. Ujjayi (Ocean breath)
4. Suryabhedana (Right nostril breathing)

Kriyas (cleansing techniques)

1. Jala Neti (cleansing nasal passage with saline water)
2. Sutra Neti (cleansing nasal passage with a rubber catheter)
3. Vaman Dhauti (vomiting saline water on an empty stomach)

Yogic Diet

No Yoga therapy, for any ailment, illness or physical indisposition is complete in the absence of a Yogic diet. For best results and faster healing, please follow a Sattvic, Yogic diet. This means a pure, simple and light, predominantly vegetarian diet. This way you will be eating healthy, wholesome foods that are more easily digestible. You will be free from the pangs of indigestion, a major cause of aggravating asthma and sinusitis, and you will remain active throughout the day. Please avoid all fried, fatty and spicy foods as well as junk / fast foods.

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