Ear Balance disorder is the problem in which people constantly feel dizzy and unsteady. There is a fear of falling down and tripping while one is standing, sitting or even sleeping. About 20% of Indians aged 65 years and above face the issue of Ear balance. As the age progresses the number increases to 25%. Ear balance is not just limited to dizziness, it also causes unavoidable injuries which in turn disturbs the overall health of an individual.
Let us first understand the symptoms of balance disorder
In severe cases there is constant fatigue which makes the person worry all the time.
What causes ear balance disorder?
There are many reasons of balance disorder but the most prevalent is, some issue with inner ear.
Our body has the vestibular system in the inner ear which is responsible for the overall body balance. Fluid in the Vestibular system along with different organs and sensory system detect the mechanical movement and thus maintain the body balance. Any malfunctioning in the signal of sensory system causes issue in balance of the body. These signals are disturbed due to infection or inflammation in the inner ears and so the body balance is affected. Viral infection in upper respiratory system can also cause this problem. Very rare but bacterial infection too can causes ear balance problem.
Inner ear balance disorder for sure requires doctors attention especially if it is due to any kind of infections.
But it is always possible to prevent such episodes or at least reduce the number of episodes by practicing yoga for balance disorder. There are preventive posture which are easy to practice by all age groups.
Yoga for Inner Ear Balance:
Body balance is the outcome of muscular-skeletal system working in coordination with nervous system. This movement is call neuro-muscular coordination. Asana and pranayama in yoga majorly focus on this harmony to create a sense of balance. And so yoga plays very important role in body balance.
There are many researches going on in this field and a study in 2014 showed that there was significant improvement in the body control and balance which was affected by faulty coordination between sensory organs and vestibular system.
Let us see the overall benefits of Yoga for ear balance problems
Below are the different asanas that can be used as the ear balance treatment.
1. Balasana: This asana is also known as child’s pose. This pose corrects the wear and tear of inner as well as middle ears. Blood flow in the brain increases which in turn improves cognitive responses.
Steps to practice this asana:
a. Sit on the mat by kneeling down.
b. Fold your knees completely and place the hips on the feet.
c. Spine should be erect.
d. Now, bend forward so that your chest can touch your knees.
e. If possible, your forehead should touch the floor and hands should be resting on the sides.
f. Stay there for minimum of 6 counts and slowly come back to the starting position.
2. Adhomukh Svanasana: This is one of the easiest asana to be practiced to alleviate the pressure created on the inner ears.
Steps to practice this asana:
a. Kneel on the mat. The distance between knees should be hips width apart.
b. Place your palms on the floor. Palms should be in line with the shoulders.
c. Press the floor with palms and curl the toes. Raise the Try to keep the knees straight.
d. Elbows should also be straightened try to touch the heels on the floor.
e. Remain in this posture for about 6 counts and then slowly come back to the starting position.
3. Bhrahmari Pranayama: This is the most effective form of pranayama when it comes to ear, throat and nasal region. The vibration of the humming sound passes from middle ear to the fluid filled area of inner ear creating the soothing environment. The amplification of vibration in air to vibration in fluid aids the wear and tear of the inner ear.
Steps to practice this pranayama:
a. Sit is padmasana or sukhasana
b. Close the ears with thumb and lightly place fingers on the eyes.
c. Take a deep inhalation and while exhaling make the humming sound like the bees does.
d. Repeat it for 5 to 10 rounds respecting your body capacity.
e. Gently open your eyes and feel the calmness within.
4. Ujjayi Pranayama : Benefits of this pranayama are countless but it mainly focuses on facial regions like nerve and muscles of face, throat and optics. It also benefits nerves of muscles of respiratory system.
Steps to practice this pranayama:
a. Sit in sukhasana or padmasana.
b. Hand on the thighs with palm facing downwards.
c. Constrict the throat slightly.
d. Take a deep inhalation and while inhaling the air should pass through the constricted throat so that it makes the sound like river water gushing in high speed.
e. Slowly exhale and this time too, the air should pass through constricted throat.
f. Repeat it for 5 to 10 rounds respecting your body capacity.
General word of caution people with heart ailments, high blood pressure, glaucoma, spine problems brittle weak bones, pregnant ladies should not practice these asanas.
5. Makarasana: End the session with relaxing asana to sooth the acute pain the ears if you have any and bring back the energy.
Steps to practice this asana
a. Lie down on your mat on the stomach
b. Relax your feet and toes facing outward and heel inside
c. Bend the hands at the elbows and place it in front of you. Rest your head on the hands
d. Close your eyes and focus on the breath and relax.
The above are a few home remedies for ear balance problems but one should consult the doctor if any further severity is observed in the symptoms.
We may damage our ears drum if we stay for long in noisy places or over use the head phones, talk for hours on the phone and do not maintain the basic body hygiene. Yoga therapy for ear balance disorder and problems includes regular and consistent practice of asana and pranayama. Therapeutically we can answer the problems but we should always consider yoga as preventive measure.