We’re heading into the fall allergy season. I wrote this article last year when I found this study about an unusual way to relieve sinus congestion.
It is allergy season! Does this affect you? Drippy nose? Red, itchy eyes? Plugged up sinuses? Or worse! Sinus infection?
Recent research suggests that relief can be as simple as humming! Imagine that!
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine stated that humming increased the blood flow in the sinuses and increased the air exchanged between the sinuses and the nasal passages.
The sinuses are a major producer of nitric oxide.
In 1998, three research scientists won the Nobel prize in medicine when they discovered the natural nitric oxide cycle in our cells. This cycle is one of the healthiest things your body does. Normal nitric oxide production is inhibited by stress and illness among other things.
And what does Nitric Oxide do for you?
- It increases your energy and stamina.
- It helps to relieve your stress.
- It seriously strengthens your immune system.
- Your circulation is improved as is your digestion.
- And it improves clarity of mind.
Nitric oxide dilates capillaries and increases blood flow. The study found that when their subjects hummed, nitric oxide levels in the sinuses were 15 times higher than when they were breathing normally.
In addition, the air exchange between the sinuses and nasal passages was 98 percent! Compared to a measly 4 percent during normal breathing.
Plugged up sinuses provide a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. For many people, allergies provide the perfect situation for sinus irritation.
If you happen to be one of those with a drippy nose at this time of year, it might be worthwhile to hum your favorite tune or just hum as you exhale to clear the stuffy nose so you can enjoy the sunshine.
Hmmmmmmm. Sounds like an easy winner to me!