Sore Throat

Throat problems are issues related to the throat, which is the area in the neck that is used for the transportation of food and air to the esophagus and the trachea respectively. The food that is transported to the esophagus is used by the digestive system, whereas the air transported to the trachea is used by the respiratory system.

The pharynx, larynx, and the epiglottis are important parts of the throat. The common types of throat problems are pharyngitis (commonly known as sore throat), laryngitis (infection of the larynx), tonsillitis (infection of the tonsils) and different types of throat cancers. An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist has to be consulted for all kinds of throat problems.

Lion Pose

Sit on your knees with thighs resting on shanks. Place your hands on your thighs. Inhale deeply through the nose. Now open your mouth wide with tongue sticking out as far as possible pointing towards the chin. Exhale through the open mouth making a sound resembling a lion's roar. While performing, try to rotate your eyes upward looking at the space between the eyebrows. The whole face muscles should be stretched. Repeat 5-10 times.

Note: After doing this, while taking the saliva inside the mouth, massage the throat lightly. This prevents soreness of throat.

How it helps: This pose stretches the muscles of the throat and increases blood circulation to the area. The roaring exhalation helps to clear the throat and relieve inflammation. Regular practice can help prevent recurring sore throats and strengthen the throat muscles.

Benefits: One of the best yoga poses for relieving a sore throat. Addresses throat-related concerns including tonsil and thyroid problems. Helps with ear issues and speech clarity. Beneficial for children with lisping difficulties. Increases blood flow to the throat area, strengthens the throat muscles, improves voice quality and helps clear infections in the throat region.

Breathing Exercise

Deep Breathing: Sit in Easy pose. Inhale deeply through the nose filling the abdomen, then chest, then upper chest. Hold for 2 counts. Exhale slowly through the nose in reverse order, emptying the upper chest, then chest, then abdomen. Do 10 rounds slowly and mindfully.

Alternate Nostril Breathing: Close your left nostril with ring and little finger. Close your eyes and breathe in through right nostril. Then block your right nostril with thumb and breathe out with left nostril. Again breathe in with left nostril. Close your left nostril and breathe out with right nostril. Do this for 10 times. Change your legs and again do for 10 times.

Benefits: Gives better oxygen supply to all parts of body including the throat area, providing calmness and balance between mind and body. Warm air passing through the nasal passages helps soothe the throat. Improved oxygen flow helps the body heal throat infections faster.