Hi, I can’t do single nostril breathing, when I close a nostril that sinus closes, therefore I can only do pranayama that doesn’t involved closing a nostril. If I close one nostril after the other it closes both sinuses.
Does this mean that I can’t learn pranayama? Or should I just avoid the single nostril breathing pranayamas completely?
Thanks
Child of the Tao
What do you mean it closes your sinuses? Do you mean that you cannot breath if you close one nostril?
Well, if I close my left nostril and breathe out then in through my right, then I release my left nostril and close my right, when I breathe out then in my left sinus is slightly closed. When I reverse again, my right sinus is slightly closed. Each time they closes slightly more. After about three or four times both sinuses are completely closed, although sometimes it’s just one sinus that closes, either way it makes single nostril breathing impossible.
Did I explain that well?
Two suggestions for you:-
Go to a properly qualified yoga teacher…one who teaches yoga not just asana…show him/her what you are doing so the teacher can see and hear your breathing and then give you advice…it will be easier for a teacher to advise you once they can see how long/short/deep/shallow your breath is, any tension in your posture and any sound with the breath.
Go see a doctor and show him/her so your breathing can be seen and heard…take advice.
Do you have any problems breathing at other times? such as snoring when sleeping or shortness of breath while exercising?
Curious if your condition persist if you were to do a Jala Neti Kriya (sinus irrigation) prior to Nadi Shodhan pranayama (alternate nostril breathing).
I do have some shortness of breath while exercising (not yoga, kettlebells) but it’s not really a problem, could just be bad cardio.
I do Jala Neti everyday, doesn’t really open my sinuses nor does it prevent them from closing if I touch my nose.
Is it a viable option to skip the pranayamas that require closing one nostril?
[QUOTE=childofthetao;83598]Is it a viable option to skip the pranayamas that require closing one nostril?[/QUOTE]
I see no reason why not, similarly there are asana that are no longer appropriate for me which have been replaced with modifications that are.
[QUOTE=childofthetao;83598]
I do Jala Neti everyday, doesn’t really open my sinuses nor … [/QUOTE]
http://www.yogaforums.com/forums/f16/mutra-urine-neti-4597.html
you can always just place the finger over the nasal hole opening rather than pressing the sides against the septum. The effect is the same. Now if you practice Talabya Kriya one day you may be able to do this from the inside via Kechari then it is quite a bit more powerful experience.
You v=can learn Talabya here.
[QUOTE=Seeking;83608]you can always just place the finger over the nasal hole opening rather than pressing the sides against the septum. The effect is the same. [/QUOTE]
I just tried that now and it closed the opposite sinus 
My spiritual path is blocked at every turn…
Others here were recommended danda stick and they said it worked.
Also surya namaskar can open it , if your not having blocked nose because of allergy or something.
Or you could do the practise [I]mentally[I][/I][/I], that is imagining the nostril is closed and directing the breath with the mind.
Nadi Shodhan (alternate nostril breathing) is your real solution, PROVIDED,
it is recognized that every 1.5 hours, our natural breathing changes its primary nostril. So at any time blockage in any one nostril is natural. (Of course, a total blockage of any particular nostril may be a medical situation.)
it is remembered that volume of air inhaled or exhaled is of little significance hence; no force to apply.
though breathing is important, it is not the main focus here. The ‘kriya’ (act) and thought of alternating the channels stimulate ida and pingala nadis.
In sum and substance, if you have a severe blockage, just simulate the act and meditate on the sensations inside between the 2 eyes.
Start with even 2 or 3 such breaths, and increase the number by 1 each month. Have patience and perseverance.
[QUOTE=YogaPrem;83614]Or you could do the practise [I]mentally[I][/I][/I], that is imagining the nostril is closed and directing the breath with the mind.[/QUOTE]
good one! metal nadi shodhana has almost the same effect on your mind;)
I run into the similar problem, and helpful question fro me were:
[QUOTE=CityMonk;83618]good one! metal nadi shodhana has almost the same effect on your mind;)
I run into the similar problem, and helpful question fro me were:
I don’t do asana, from what I can tell kriya yoga is just about doing pranayam isn’t it? Sitting in meditation, no asana.
[QUOTE=CityMonk;83618]2. for how long do you practice nadi shodhana ? you said that the nostrils are slightly blocked…so i assume that you still can do it…[/QUOTE]
At first I can do it, but within thirty seconds one nostril (usually the right) closes completely.
[QUOTE=CityMonk;83618]3. is this the only pranayama you do or you practice some other pranayamas before that? [/QUOTE]
It’s the only pranayama I know. I study from a book, this is the first pranayama.
[QUOTE=CityMonk;83618]4. i took wonderful pranayama couses with John Charping , you may reach him fro an advice (https://www.facebook.com/johncharping.bettylarsen)
5. do u think it might be a “psychological” blockage of the nostrils?[/QUOTE]
I don’t know, but I don’t think so. I think it’s physical but I honestly have no idea really.
Suhas Tambe thanks for the advice I found some of that very interesting and useful!
[QUOTE=childofthetao;83598]I do have some shortness of breath while exercising (not yoga, kettlebells) but it’s not really a problem, could just be bad cardio.
I do Jala Neti everyday, doesn’t really open my sinuses nor does it prevent them from closing if I touch my nose.
Is it a viable option to skip the pranayamas that require closing one nostril?[/QUOTE]
I would definitely go to a doctor or a holistic practitioner. The neti pot should help open up your sinuses.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing alternate nostril breathing, then don’t do it but you should probably have a doctor check out your sinuses. You shouldn’t be having major issues when you close off your nostrils.
The eternal issue…
Use a [B]Yoga Danda[/B]. It works 95% of times.
Changes in diet may help- try eating less dairy and maybe steaming with a towel over your head and steaming water etc. I think if you google blocked sinus or open sinuses you may find some help
"My spiritual path is blocked at every turn… "
Perhaps you’re not supposed to do it right now.
[QUOTE=Bodymotives;83804]"My spiritual path is blocked at every turn… "
Perhaps you’re not supposed to do it right now.[/QUOTE]
That could be very true, the more mundane aspect of my life is in serious need of work.