Exploring remedies for snoring? Astonishing ancient technique leaves researchers astonished
In a groundbreaking development, a recent study published in ERJ Open Research has found that blowing through a conch shell, also known as shankh blowing, may offer a promising treatment for moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The study, led by Dr. Krishna K. Sharma and colleagues based in Jaipur, India, involved 30 participants aged 19-65 with OSA. Over six months, these individuals practiced shankh blowing for 15 minutes, five days a week. The results were remarkable:
- A 34% reduction in daytime sleepiness was observed, as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.
- A 21.8% reduction in apnea events during REM sleep was noted, which is crucial as REM-related apneas are linked to higher cardiovascular and neurocognitive risks.
- An improvement in sleep quality and a reduction of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by about 4 to 5 events per hour was observed.
- A significant increase in lowest nocturnal oxygen saturation (+7.1% vs. -1.7% in controls), indicating better oxygen levels overnight, was noted.
- A noticeable reduction in neck circumference, suggesting upper airway remodeling possibly due to respiratory muscle strengthening, was observed.
The physiological basis for this effect lies in the technique itself. Shankh blowing involves a deep inhalation followed by a forceful, sustained exhalation through tightly pursed lips, creating strong vibrations and airflow resistance. This likely strengthens upper airway muscles, including the throat and soft palate, decreasing airway collapse during sleep.
This low-cost, simple, and non-machine treatment could offer an alternative or adjunct for people with OSA, particularly those who find CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy uncomfortable or inaccessible. Researchers are now planning larger trials to confirm these effects, evaluate long-term use, and compare shankh blowing directly with standard treatments.
Meanwhile, another study has raised concerns about the link between OSA and lung cancer. US researchers assessed the health records of over 2.4 million adults and found OSA patients were 1.21 times more likely to develop lung cancer compared to those without OSA. This study suggests OSA may be a preventable risk factor for lung cancer, and further studies are needed to investigate the extent of this link.
In light of these findings, policymakers are urged to consider screening those with OSA for lung cancer and tackle sleep apnea early. Dr Jowan Al-Nusair, study co-author and physician at Marshall University, emphasizes the need for closer monitoring of patients with OSA and early intervention to combat OSA.
References:
[1] Medical Xpress [2] Science Daily [3] The Lancet Respiratory Medicine [4] The BMJ [5] The New England Journal of Medicine
- The news about shankh blowing as a potential treatment for moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has sparked interest in the field of health-and-wellness, with researchers planning larger trials to confirm these effects.
- Recently, a study published in ERJ Open Research found a link between OSA and an increased risk of lung cancer, raising concerns and emphasizing the need for earlier detection and preventive measures in mental-health and medicare.
- In the realm of lifestyle, the research on shankh blowing highlights a low-cost, non-machine treatment that could potentially serve as an alternative or adjunct to CPAP therapy for OSA sufferers.
- TheURGent Care Journal published a study revealing a noticeable reduction in neck circumference among individuals with OSA following shankh blowing practices, suggesting potential benefits for therapies-and-treatments related to health and sleep.
