Spring Breathing

Welcome to part three in our series on news you can use from Yoga and Ayurveda to have a healthy Spring. Previous posts were focused on Spring eating and Spring movement. Let’s explore Spring breathing.

If you live in a place where allergens abound, this time of year can be challenging. And no, it is not your imagination—allergies ARE getting worse each year. Lots of factors contribute, including warmer global temperatures, poor food choices, staying cooped up indoors too much, and just overall increasing toxicity of the environment. Do not be discouraged, however, because there are things you can do to breathe better in the Spring.

Wear a mask. If you’re going to be outside pulling weeds or otherwise disturbing the plants in your yard, you should definitely wear a mask so as not to deeply inhale all the allergens. If you’ve been outside for quite some time, wash your clothes, take a shower and put on fresh, clean clothes.

Diffuse a minty essential oil. Set up a diffuser in your work space and add a few drops of essential oil, especially eucalyptus, which is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and peppermint, which clears the sinuses so you can breathe better and relaxes smooth muscles to reduce coughing.

Use a neti pot. Mix warm distilled water (NOT tap water) and a small amount of salt to rinse both nostrils. Salt thins the mucus and blowing your nose at the end clears it out. The neti post can be used morning and/or night, so choose the time that will bring you the best relief.

Practice Brahmari (“buzzing bee” breath): Sit in a comfortable way so that your spine is long, such as on the edge of a chair or on the floor. Inhale the breath through the nose, on the exhalation, hum. Hum so that you feel a vibration in your throat and head. Practice 10 humming breaths. Take a short break and practice 10 more. If your sinuses are congested, hum with a high pitch. If your chest is congested, hum with a low pitch. Otherwise, use a normal pitch.

May you breathe deeply and with confidence and joy for all this Spring season will bring.