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Scientific basis for some Yoga practices in Sinusitis
by Dr. Aanada Balayogi Bhavanani via sadh - ICYER Saturday, Jan 14 2012, 9:47pm
international / health related / other press

Recent American 'news' reports are warning that nasal irrigation -- known as Jala Neti in its country of origin -- could be fatal due to the presence of a brain eating amoeba in American drinking water! We have often wondered what they put in American drinking water to create such a fear ridden, socially paralysed (indefinite detention without trial or charge) CLEARLY enslaved, imbecilic population! The existence of this amoeba, among other things, in American drinking water may not surprise many so I would add a cautionary provision to the practice of jala neti; if in any doubt whatsoever regarding the safety of water supplies simply BOIL all water thoroughly and clean all utensils ('neti pots') before utilisation for nasal irrigation. There ya go, you dumb, frightened, Americans. [Please note this is an editorial comment and in no way reflects the opinion or sentiments of the author, though the health/safety warning applies!]

Yoga, the ancient cultural heritage of India has recently become popular as a therapeutic adjuvant to modern scientific medicine. A lot of research has been done on various aspects of Yoga in relation to health and disease and the physiological and psychological benefits of Yoga have given rise to various potentialities as an adjuvant therapy for numerous psychosomatic disorders. We must not forget however that Yoga is primarily focused on prevention and can be said to be the original preventive medicine.

This paper attempts to focus on the scientific basis of some Yoga practices that may help in the prevention and management of sinusitis. A bird’s eye view of recent studies in this regard, published in international and indexed journals of modern medicine helps us to understand the mechanism by which these Yoga practices can help as an adjuvant therapy in preventing and managing sinusitis.

SINUSITIS

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the membrane lining of any sinus, especially one of the paranasal sinuses of the skull that include the maxillary, frontal, ethmoidal and sphenoidal sinuses.

Rhinosinusitis is a common clinical problem with considerable morbidity and often, refractory symptoms, accounting for millions of patient visits to medical practitioners. It is estimated that more than 120 million Indians suffer from at least one episode of acute sinusitis each year.

It is also one of the top five conditions for which antibiotics are frequently prescribed and a major cause of antibiotic resistance due to the difficulty in differentiating infections of viral and bacterial etiology at primary level health care.

The prevalence of sinusitis worldwide has soared in the last decade due to increased pollution, urban sprawl, and increased resistance to antibiotics. We should never underestimate the negative impact on the patients’ quality of life as though sinusitis may have never killed anyone; it sure has made many feel like killing themselves.

Acute sinusitis is a short-term condition that responds well to antibiotics and decongestants whereas chronic sinusitis is defined as four or more recurrences of acute sinusitis that may require prolonged therapy and even surgery.

The major symptoms of acute sinusitis include facial pain or pressure, nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, diminished sense of smell while other symptoms like fever, bad breath, fatigue, dental pain, and cough may be present.

In chronic sinusitis, the following symptoms may be present for 12 weeks or more. These symptoms include facial pain or pressure, facial congestion, nasal blockage, thick nasal discharge, discolored post-nasal drainage, pus in the nasal cavity, and fever. The patient may also complain of headache, bad breath, and fatigue.

Chronic sinusitis is a common disease in children, especially those with allergies. The inflammation from an allergy causes membrane swelling and the sinus openings to narrow, thereby blocking mucus movement. The poor sinus ventilation increases the risk for sinusitis.

New evidence points to a pathophysiologic link between sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma. This makes it more important for us to prevent and manage sinusitis in order to prevent the further complications from occurring. It has been seen that smoking plays a role in the causation and worsening of symptoms and any therapy programme would be incompletes without a smoking cessation element in it.

SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR THE USE OF JALA NETI

One of the most important Yoga practices for the prevention and management of sinusitis is the Neti Kriya that is one of the Shat Karmas of Hatha Yoga. Neti is the practice of cleaning the nasopharyngeal tract with liquids or thread. Types of Neti include Jala Neti (nasal irrigation with lukewarm saline water) and Sutra Neti (nasal cleaning with a thread or catheter. Others are Dugdha Neti (with milk), Ghrta Neti (with ghee) and Jala Kapalabhati that includes Vyutkrama and Seetkrama Kapalabhati.

Hypertonic nasal irrigation is a therapy that flushes the nasal cavity with saline solution, facilitating a wash of the structures within. Originally part of the Yogic tradition as Neti, this technique is anecdotally regarded as safe and effective. It has been suggested as adjunctive therapy for sinusitis and sinus symptoms. Potential efficacy is supported by the observation that hypertonic saline improves mucociliary clearance, thins mucus, and may decrease inflammation.

According to Dr. Marple, professor of otolaryngology at the University of Texas saline nasal irrigation is a highly effective, minimally invasive intervention for people suffering from nasal issues. He however adds, “But it’s just not as sexy to talk about. People want to hear about surgery or antibiotics.”

Chronic sinusitis is a common disease in children, especially those with allergies, and is caused by impaired drainage from the sinuses. Hypertonic Saline solution has been shown to increase mucociliary clearance and ciliary beat frequency in such patients.

David Shoseyov and colleagues have shown that hypertonic saline improves both clinical scores and plain Waters’ projection radiology scores in children with chronic sinusitis. They have also commented that the treatment is tolerable, inexpensive, and effective.

A study by DG Heatley and colleagues in the University of Wisconsin has shown that daily nasal irrigation using a bulb syringe, nasal irrigation pot, and daily reflexology massage were equally efficacious and resulted in improvement in the symptoms of chronic sinusitis in over 70% of subjects. Medication usage was decreased in approximately one third of participants regardless of intervention.

LT Tamooka and colleagues at the University of California have shown that patients who used nasal irrigation for the treatment of sinonasal disease experienced statistically significant improvements in 23 of the 30 nasal symptoms queried. Improvement was also seen in the global assessment of health status using the Quality of Well-Being scale.

David Rabago and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin have shown that daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation improves sinus-related quality of life, decreases symptoms, and decreases medication use in patients with frequent sinusitis. They also recommended that primary care physicians can feel comfortable recommending this therapy.

All of this recent research helps us understand the scientific basis of how Jala Neti, one of the Shat Karmas can help in preventing and managing sinusitis in an effective manner by improving mucociliary clearance, thinning the mucus, and by decreasing the inflammation that blocks the sinus ostia. This information must be taken to the primary health care level as it has the potential to reduce the use of antibiotics and other suppressant medications in a healthy and cost effective manner.

SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR THE USE OF NADA PRANAYAMAS IN SINUSITIS

Chanting has always been an important aspect of the spiritual life in India. Chanting Mantras, performing Japa, singing Bhajans and the use of Nada Pranayamas such as the Bhramari and the Pranava are important parts of the Yogic life.

Recent studies have shown that chanting creates sound vibrations that encourage air to move back and forth between the sinus membranes and nasal passages. This air movement helps open the tiny ducts, or ostia, that connect the nose to the sinuses, allowing the sinuses to drain properly. This can help prevent infections from settling down in the sinuses and create a healthy environment therein.

All the sinuses are effectively ventilated by humming and this is an important benefit as previous research has shown that poor sinus ventilation increases the risk for sinusitis. When the sinuses are well ventilated infections have no chance of settling down at all.

A study done by Jon Lundberg and Eddie Weitzberg of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has shown that the daily humming or "Om" chanting may actually prevent infections from taking hold. They found that humming increased nitric oxide levels fifteenfold, compared to quiet exhalations without sound. The exhalations of people with healthy sinuses tend to have high nitric oxide levels, indicating that more air is able to flow between the sinuses and the nose.

The Nada Pranayamas such as the Bhramari and the Pranava are similar to the humming used in the study. In the Bhramari Pranayama the nasal sound like a bee is used while in the Pranava Pranayama, the humming sounds of the Pranava A-U-M are used. This new light on humming and nasal ventilation can explain the scientific basis by which these Pranayamas can prevent as well as help in the management of sinusitis. This is another reason why practices like the Surya Namaskar should always be done with the chanting of the Surya Mantras and another reason why the chanting of the Mantras and scriptures should be encouraged in Yoga therapy and training.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion we can see how Yoga through the practices such as Neti Kriya and the Nada Pranayamas offers us a possible adjuvant therapy in the prevention and management of sinusitis.

It can be said that the nasal irrigation with hypertonic saline (as done in Jala Neti) is a proven and effective modality of treatment in Rhinosinusitis. We can also conclude that the Nada Pranayamas such as the Bhramari and Pranava can help tremendously by ventilating the sinuses in an effective manner. This prevents infections from settling down in the healthy Nitric Oxide rich environment.

Such practices of Yoga are inexpensive and quite safe when done under proper supervision. Even young children can do these practices and correct the health challenges that could otherwise lead to conditions such as asthma in the future.

A last word is due about the acknowledged fact that Yoga also offers us numerous side benefits (unlike the side effects of modern medicine) such as the improved quality of life and healthy sense of well being that are the keystone to attaining and maintaining as well as regaining good health.

REFERENCES:
Bachmann G, Hommel G, Michel O. Effect of irrigation of the nose with isotonic salt solution on patients with chronic paranasal sinus disease. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2000; 257:537–41.

Bauman, Alisa. Sinusitis survival: Vibrations created from chanting Om can help clear your sinuses and ward off infections. Yoga Journal, Jan/Feb 2003, p. 34.

Bhavanani AB. Compilation of notes for the subject, “Yoga Practicals-I ad II”. Pondicherry University Community College, Pondicherry, India

Bhavanani AB. Compilation of notes for the subject, “Principles and Methods of Yoga Therapy”. Pondicherry University Community College, Pondicherry, India

Bhavanani AB. Compilation of notes for the subject, “Scientific Basis of Yoga Education”. Pondicherry University Community College, Pondicherry, India

David Rabago, Bruce Barrett, Lucille Marchand, et al. Qualitative Aspects of Nasal Irrigation Use by Patients with Chronic Sinus Disease in a Multimethod Study. Annals of family medicine. 2006;4:295-301.

Heatley DG, McConnell KE, Kille TL, Leverson GE. Nasal irrigation for the alleviation of sinonasal symptoms. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001;125:44-48.

Homer JJ, Dowley AC, Condon L, El-Jassar P, Sood S. The effect of hypertonicity on nasal mucociliary clearance. Clin Otolaryngol 2000; 25:558– 60.

Homer JJ, England RJ, Wilde AD, Harwood GRJ, Stafford ND. The effect of pH of douching solution on mucociliary clearance. Clin Otolaryngol 1999; 24:312– 5.

Melissa A. Pynnonen, Shraddha S. Mukerji, H. Myra Kim, et al. Nasal Saline for Chronic Sinonasal Symptoms. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007; 133 (11):1115-1120.

Rabago D, Pasic T, Zgierska A, et al. The efficacy of hypertonic saline nasal irrigation for chronic sinonasal symptoms. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005;133:3-8.

Rabago D, Zgierska A, Mundt M, et al. Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis: a randomized controlled trial. J Fam Pract. 2002;51:1049-1055.

Robinson M, Hemming AL, Regnis JA, et al. Effect of increasing doses of hypertonic saline on mucociliary clearance in patients with cystic fibrosis. Thorax 1997; 52:900–3.

Shoseyov D, Bibi H, Shai P, et al. Treatment with hypertonic saline versus normal saline nasal wash of pediatric chronic sinusitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1998;101:602-605.

Taccariello M, Parikh A, et al. Nasal douching as a valuable adjunct in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Rhinology. 1999;37:29-32.

Talbot AR, Herr TM, Parsons DS. Mucociliary clearance and buffered hypertonic saline solution. Laryngoscope 1997; 107:500–3.

Tamooka LT, Murphy C, Davidson TM. Clinical study and literature review of nasal irrigation. Laryngoscope 2000; 110:1189–93.

Author retains copyright.

COMMENTS

At long last we have discovered what they put in American drinking water!
by chuck Monday, Jan 16 2012, 7:53am

Neti Pots and Americans

Perhaps the state of Louisiana cannot afford to filter and chlorinate the municipal water supply? Makes you think? One has more chance of contracting Ebola virus than having your brain eaten by the Naegleria Fowleri micro-organism (amoeba).

Woman Loses Arm to Flesh-Eating Bacteria Following Injection of “Bath Salts”

Flesh-eating bacteria were the cause of infection in a woman who used the drug “Bath Salts,” doctors have revealed.

The 34-year-old woman was a patient in the emergency room at the Louisiana Health Sciences Center in August 2011. At presentation her arm was painfully swollen. She was started on intravenous antibiotics, which reduced the intensity of her issue, but this did not happen quickly enough.

Dr. Robert Russo, an orthopedic resident at the hospital said that on questioning, the woman revealed that she used drugs. The doctor told ABC News that they had to amputate the woman’s arm and right breast as the bacteria kept spreading at a rapid rate.

Dr Russo is unsure how the bacteria got into the woman’s system via the drugs that she used, “Just from people using more needles, you could see a rise in these kinds of cases,” he said. “And the risks of using this drug, it’s not just getting your arm taken off. The drug is crazy.”

The report of this case has been published in the journal Orthopedics.

Source-Medindia

Using Tap Water in Neti Pots Leads to Fatal Brain Eating Amoeba Deaths

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals have issued a warning against using tap water to irrigate nasal sinuses for fear that Naegleria Fowleri (brain-eating amoeba) can cause a deadly neurological disease eventually causing death.

The health warning was issued following two fatal infections in the state due to this single celled organism.

This micro-organism lives in warm fresh water and does not cause any harm if one drinks this water. However, if nasal-irrigation pots (neti pots) are used to irrigate the sinuses with this tap water then the amoeba attacks the nervous system.

Symptoms like alteration in the taste, headache, fever, nausea, neck rigidity, vomiting, confusion and hallucinations; and seizures can be seen within 1-14 days post exposure. The infection destroys neural tissue, killing the victim within few days. The survival rate is as low as 2%.

Louisiana State Epidemiologist, Dr. Raoult Ratard said, "If you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, for example, by using a neti pot, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution."

Source-Medindia

Weep Not! An opportunity for ever resourceful Companies to profit from the hysteria and fear created by the mass media:-

For the mildly paranoid who don’t have time to boil the water used for nasal irrigation – actually, this requirement should only apply to undeveloped countries NOT western industrialized nations that should have competent regulators and municipal authorities that treat their water supply!

P.S. Definitely boil your water if you live in Louisiana – obviously tap water in other states must be better or we would have had an epidemic – oh my gosh – maybe we’ve had our brains half-eaten away and haven’t noticed indefinite detention passed into law! That would also explain our tolerating criminals in Washington and the White House!

Now that we have discovered what is in American tap water that makes the population crazy, American capitalism to the rescue; instinct has surfaced and out of the woodwork suddenly appears the following solutions (pun quite intentional)!

Various Companies have gone on a frenzied advertising spree in order to exploit the fear created by sensationalist news reports – makes one wonder! Be sure NOT to purchase anything these Companies produce!


The Makers of ARM & HAMMER® Introduce the ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Neti Pot Kit and Help Congestion and Allergy Sufferers Flush Away Symptoms Gently and Safely

PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Church & Dwight Co., Inc., the makers of ARM & HAMMER®, is offering much-needed clarity to consumers who suffer from sinus congestion and allergies by introducing the new ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Neti Pot Kit. This new kit helps users tackle their symptoms head on: by flushing them away through the time-honored practice of nasal irrigation which expels mucus and moisturizes irritated nasal passages.

(Photo: http:photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110913/NY66454)

The ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Neti Pot Kit boasts a variety of user-friendly features to make the process simpler and gentler than ever before. Its formula is pH balanced with real ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to help prevent stinging or discomfort commonly associated with saline irrigation and has a patent pending, leak-proof design to help users avoid messy spills. Its visible fill line and translucent orange color help ensure that consumers are able to achieve an optimal salt-to-water ratio during use. Each kit contains 50 saline packets: ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Neti Pot Kit Refill Packets (qty: 100) are also available.

"Flushing your nasal passages with a neti pot helps alleviate symptoms associated with nasal and sinus congestion and can be performed as often as you need relief," said Stacey Feldman, Vice President of Women's Health and Personal Care, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. "It relieves nasal congestion by flushing mucus and debris out instantly and safely. The ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Neti Pot Kit is formulated with real ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda and is optimized to reduce burning and stinging."

Neti pots are safe for adults and children five years of age or older and offer a drug-free and naturally derived solution to remove mucus and other environmental pollutants with no known side effects. For a limited time, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is offering consumers an opportunity to try the new ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Neti Pot Kit for free through the brand's "Try Me Free" promotion at key retailers and online at www.simplysaline.com.

The ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline™ Neti Pot Kit joins the full line of Simply Saline® nasal care products that alleviate symptoms associated with nasal congestion:

Simply Saline® Nasal Mist moisturizes and cleans dust, dirt and pollen from nasal and sinus passages. For safe, daily nasal cleansing, Simply Saline® Nasal Mist is a drug-free alternative that can be used independently or in combination with other medicated products.

Simply Saline® Allergy & Sinus Nasal Mist is a variant of Simply Saline® Nasal Mist and provides gentle nasal care to help relieve the symptoms associated with allergies and sinusitis. With its hypertonic (extra strength) solution, Simply Saline® Allergy & Sinus Nasal Mist provides clearer breathing by drying congestion (mucus) from nasal passages.

Simply Saline® Baby Nasal Mist serves as a safe, drug-free alternative to pediatric, medicated cold and cough products and offers a specially designed dispensing nozzle that won't damage an infant's delicate nasal tissue. The Baby Nasal Mist can also be used in conjunction with Simply Saline® Baby Moisturizing Nasal Swabs.

The full Simply Saline® nasal care line is available at nationwide retailers. Suggested retail prices range from $5.99 to $14.99.

For more information, visit www.simplysaline.com.

About ARM & HAMMER®

For more than 165 years, the familiar orange ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda box has been a trusted fixture in both the refrigerator and home. The brand was founded in 1846 when Dr. Austin Church and John Dwight began to produce and sell sodium bicarbonate under the ARM & HAMMER® brand name.

In 2010 Church and Dwight Co., Inc. acquired the Simply Saline® brand as an extension to their ARM & HAMMER® line of products.

Today, Church and Dwight Co., Inc. manufactures a variety of cleaning, freshening and deodorizing products for your home and personal care products for your family under the iconic ARM & HAMMER® brand name.

Media Contact:Esther Walsh/Edelman212-277-3784Esther.Walsh@Edelman.com

SOURCE ARM & HAMMER Simply Saline

Reported Health Risks of Neti Pots do Not Extend to All Sinus Rinse Products

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent national news reports warning of deaths and potential brain infections from the use of neti pots for sinus rinsing may have resulted in some sinus products being incorrectly associated with those risks.

"While health officials are warning users of neti pots about the potential dangers of improper usage of these devices, a simple and convenient alternative is readily available with a product like OCEAN Complete®," said Dr. Ken Haller of St. Louis Children's Hospital. "Because it is a sterile, closed system, risks like those being reported with the Neti Pots should not be an issue and patients will get the benefits of sinus rinsing without worry."

OCEAN Complete® is a medically sterile, balanced saline sinus rinse pre-mixed in a sealed container that allows consumers to easily and conveniently rinse their sinuses, without the need for mixing, special water requirements or disinfection that is required for safe use of neti pots and other mix-it-yourself sinus rinses.

About OCEAN Complete®OCEAN Complete® aids in the maintenance of nasal health by providing two delivery options, one for sinus irrigation and another for moisturizing to counteract dry environments. The OCEAN® brand is doctor recommended and available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide. Visit www.oceannasalcare.com for more information.

Sinox Spray Offers Safe Alternative to Neti Pot Health Risk

Natural, drug-free sinus rinse uses antiseptic salts and sterile water to clear mucus without the risk of infection from tap-water borne microorganisms.

TOPANGA, Calif., Dec. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- In the face of at least two recent deaths caused by brain-eating amoeba found in domestic tap water, neti pot users are now looking for safer alternatives. Sinox Spray, a natural, drug-free nasal rinse alternative to neti pots, uses antiseptic salts and sterile water to clear mucus without the risk of infection from tap-water borne microorganisms.

(Photo: http:photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111221/CG26331)

The neti pot, a traditional device whose roots can be traced to Ayurvedic medicine in ancient India, is among the most common approaches to clearing nasal and sinus congestion found in conditions such as chronic sinusitis, the common cold, acute rhinitis and nasal allergies. The neti pot can be effective -- it played a role in inspiring the invention of Sinox -- but the device is large and cumbersome, requiring substantial volumes of water in a messy process. Also, when used with impure water, contamination can result.

Neti pots can be used with distilled or sterilized water. However, most users simply use tap water, which contains numerous impurities. While generally safe to drink, unsanitized water applied to the blood-rich tissues in the nose can result in infections by amoeba or other microorganisms. In the recent cases resulting in death, a pathogen, Naegleria fowleri, also known as "the brain-eating amoeba", infected victims through the nose, where it can use nerve fibers to access the brain. Once inside the body, it rapidly spreads through the brain causing severe symptoms leading to death. The amoeba is also found in fresh water sources such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. Mortality from infection is estimated as high as 98%.

"With this latest, unfortunate, news where municipal water appears to have been unsafe, the risk in using a neti pot, which is basically a 'home remedy', becomes a bit more apparent," says Sinox Pharma founder, Jack Skeels. "We designed Sinox Spray to give sinus sufferers all of the goodness of the neti pot – including purified water – without the hassle or risk."

The ingredients in Sinox Spray include sodium chlorite, a widely-used salt whose FDA-approved uses include food and water sanitation. When formulated in Sinox Spray, it is laboratory-proven to kill viruses, bacteria, spores, slimes, yeasts, and other microbial pathogens. Sinox Spray also includes carbonates and surfactants that work together to help the user clear mucus, pathogens and other foreign particles from their nasal and sinus passages.

Sinox Spray comes in a small 20ml spray bottle and requires only a few quick squirts to be effective. By contrast, neti pots typically require 8-12 ounces of warm water.

Sinox Spray is especially convenient for travelers and busy professionals.Sinox Spray comes with a full 100% money-back guarantee. Find out more, and order now at Sinox Spray (http:sinoxspray.com/).

Media Contact: Jack Skeels Sinox Pharma, Inc., 310.346.9899, jack@sinoxhealth.comNews distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https:ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE Sinox Pharma, Inc.

Be sure to avoid these exploitative companies and their products like the 'plague!'