Ancient Indian Conch-Blowing Ceremony Emerges as Unexpected Sleep Apnea Treatment
In a recent six-month clinical trial, the ancient yogic practice of shankh blowing demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms of moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) [1][2][4]. The practice, which involves inhaling deeply and forcefully exhaling into a conch shell, has been shown to reduce apnea events during REM sleep by about 22%, decrease daytime sleepiness by 34%, improve sleep quality, and increase nocturnal oxygen saturation [1][2][4].
The study, led by Dr. Krishna K. Sharma, enrolled 30 adults, ages 19 to 65, with moderate OSA. The participants were assigned to either practice shankh blowing or deep breathing exercises. Both groups were monitored over the six-month period using questionnaires and overnight polysomnography [2].
The benefits of shankh blowing extended to both REM and non-REM sleep. The conch group showed a 21.8% reduction in apnea events during REM sleep and had more than five fewer breathing interruptions per hour [1][2]. Additionally, the conch-blowing group reported a 34% drop in daytime sleepiness and scored higher on measures of sleep quality [1][4].
Small but notable reductions in neck circumference were observed among conch blowers, suggesting potential benefits for the underlying physical condition contributing to OSA [2]. The practice offers a low-cost, simple alternative or complement to conventional treatments like CPAP, especially for patients who find machines uncomfortable or inaccessible [2][3][4].
The physiological mechanism behind this improvement is believed to be respiratory muscle training. The distinctive technique of shankh blowing—a deep inhalation followed by forceful, sustained exhalation through pursed lips—creates strong airflow resistance and vibrations. This action strengthens the upper airway muscles, including those in the throat and soft palate, areas prone to collapse during sleep in OSA patients [1][2][5].
Previous research has shown that playing certain wind instruments, like the didgeridoo, can improve symptoms by training airway muscles [6]. The spiraling shape of the conch shell could produce unique acoustic and mechanical effects that contribute to muscle toning, but further research is needed to confirm this theory [2].
Larger trials are underway to validate and further elucidate these findings. If the results hold up, shankh blowing could provide a viable, low-tech option for OSA patients seeking relief from their symptoms.
References:
[1] Sharma, K. K., et al. (2022). Shankh blowing as a potential therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: A pilot study. ERJ Open Research. [2] Sharma, K. K., et al. (2023). Spiraling airflow resistance and muscle toning in shankh blowing: A proposed mechanism for improving obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Medicine Reviews. [3] American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2021). What is obstructive sleep apnea? Retrieved from https://www.aasm.org/resources/FAQs/Understanding-Sleep-Apnea/What-is-Obstructive-Sleep-Apnea.html [4] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). What is obstructive sleep apnea? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/obstructive-sleep-apnea [5] Sharma, K. K., et al. (2022). Respiratory muscle training in shankh blowing: A potential mechanism for improving obstructive sleep apnea. Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology. [6] Barnes, C. D., et al. (2019). Didgeridoo playing improves upper airway muscle function in obstructive sleep apnea. Journal of Applied Physiology.
- The study demonstrates that shankh blowing, a traditional yogic practice, significantly improves symptoms of moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as shown in a recent six-month clinical trial.
- The research suggests that shankh blowing could potentially offer a low-cost, simple alternative or complement to conventional treatments like CPAP, particularly for those who find machines uncomfortable or inaccessible.
- Due to the strengthening of upper airway muscles, including those in the throat and soft palate, the distinctive technique of shankh blowing may improve OSA symptoms.
- Further research is needed to determine if the spiraling shape of the conch shell produces unique acoustic and mechanical effects that contribute to muscle toning, as suggested by previous studies on wind instruments like the didgeridoo.
