6 AUG 2003 HUMMING FOR SINUSITIS Intrigued by the research of some Swedish researchers, we instituted a limited evaluation of the effects of humming on persons suffering from chronic sinusitis. Somewhat to our surprise, a quite measurable improvement effected among a majority of the participating volunteers.
Several different modes were applied all with beneficial effect. Just simple humming of a favorite tune for 5 or so minutes twice a day, proved beneficial. However, the most benefit came among those who utilized a conventional "deep breathing" technique; one including an in-breath accompanied by diaphragm/stomach expansion followed immediately by the humming generation. Depending upon ones lung capacity, the hum will last about 5 to 10 seconds as the spent air is exhausted to completion of the exhalation. Best results were obtained through insuring that the tongue does not rest against the teeth...or the mouth sides/roof during exhalation. Equally effective results came for persons breathing in via mouth, nose, or combination (especially useful for persons with nose passage stoppages). However, somewhat better effects emanated from keeping the mouth completely closed during the induced-humming period while just allowing the natural exhausting to occur via the nasal ducts. One advantage of this method over just simple melodic humming lay in the ability to greatly increase the strength (volume) of the humming. The increased power of this method becomes self-evident to the practitioner through the increased vibration component felt in the nasal bone structure. We found that just 10 deep breathing cycles, executed twice daily proved quite beneficial for a variety of moderate sinus afflictions and most especially for long-term, chronic, sufferers of "stuffy nose" type presentations. I was so impressed that I tried it myself, and found it to be an excellent protocol for relieving my own, long-standing, sinus challenge. It has proven to be most especially useful just before going off to sleep and just before arising from bed in the morning. One, additional, unexpected benefit proved to be the almost universal "loosening" of phlegm blockages occurring immediately after or sometimes during, the protocol. In any event, it is a harmless personal support endeavor which costs nothing and offers the promise of additional relief from a rather uncomfortable condition. Sincerely, Brooks Bradley. p.s. Additionally, this procedure proved quite effective in relieving some conditions of pressure accomodation imbalances of the ear.
