What causes snoring?
We snore when our breathing passage is temporarily blocked. This can happen due to a number of factors including obesity, stress, tonsillitis, bad eating habits, certain medicines, and the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or smoking.
Snoring problems can prove to be a major irritant to other people sleeping in the same room. It also affects your quality of sleep because your body has to work extra hard to get a sufficient supply of fresh air, and exhale stale air. Snoring can also lead to a number of health problems such as sleep apnea, headaches, hypertension, and heart disease.
How to cure snoring?
There are many natural snoring remedies including using a special pillow, avoiding sleeping on your back, consuming a healthy diet, and exercises for snoring. Yoga is by far the best remedy for snoring. This is because yoga helps to address the underlying factors that precipitate snoring.Let us take a look at some of the yoga techniques that can be used as a remedy for snoring problems.
Simha Garjana Asana: The Simha Garjana Asana, or Roaring Lion Pose, is an excellent remedy for snoring. To perform this posture, sit on the floor in the Vajra Asana (Diamond Pose). Now spread your legs so that your thighs are almost parallel to your shoulders. Place your palms on the floor (or yoga mat) between your knees such that your wrists point outwards and your fingers point towards your body. Lean forward and tilt your head back. Concentrate on a point at the center of your eyebrows, and inhale deeply thought the nostrils. Open your mouth, tick out your tongue and exhale. Let out the exhaled breath with a growling sound. Repeat this process a couple of times. This posture helps to remove any obstructions in your breathing passages and is a natural cure for snoring.
Ujjayi Pranayama: Pranayama is a term that refers to the breathing techniques that are taught as a part of yoga. Ujjayi Pranayama, or the Hissing Breath, increases the capacity of your lungs and removes any blockages in your throat. It is one of the best exercises for snoring.
To perform this breathing exercise, sit down in the Sukha Asana (Easy Pose) or Padma Asana (Lotus Pose). Start to breathe deeply through your nostrils and close your eyes, until your body enters a state of calm. Now inhale forcefully through both the nostrils, contracting your neck muscles to produce a low, throbbing sound. You may feel a vibration in your chest and head. Hold this inhaled breath for as long as you can. Now close one of your nostrils with your fingers and slowly exhale through the other nostril. Repeat this process with the other nostril. This breathing exercise for snoring should be performed at least three to five times every day.
