Conch shell breathing shown to ease sleep apnea in small study

A small study in India suggests blowing into a conch shell may ease moderate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.

Conch Shell Breathing Seen as Sleep Apnea Alternative

A study published in ERJ Open Research followed 30 adults with moderate obstructive sleep apnea who were assigned to either shankh blowing or deep breathing exercises. After six months, those practicing shankh blowing reported 34% less daytime sleepiness and four to five fewer breathing pauses per hour, with higher nighttime blood oxygen levels. The technique involves deep inhalation followed by a forceful exhalation through pursed lips, creating vibrations and airflow resistance that researchers say could strengthen muscles in the upper airway and reduce collapses during sleep. The researchers say shankh blowing could offer a low-cost alternative to CPAP machines, especially for patients who find CPAP uncomfortable, unaffordable, or inaccessible.

The study notes shankh blowing is simple to perform and does not require devices or medications. However, the authors caution that the trial was small and conducted at a single center. They call for larger, multi-center trials to confirm results and assess long-term safety before any clinical recommendations are made.

This finding sits at the intersection of traditional practice and modern medicine. If replicated, it could push healthcare systems to value non-drug, low-cost options that are easy to teach and learn. Yet hype must be avoided. A larger data set is essential to determine whether benefits hold across diverse patients and over longer periods. The real test will be whether such breathing techniques can complement existing therapies or stand as a practical option for those who cannot access CPAP.

Highlights

Further research will determine whether this ancient breathing method can meet modern clinical needs.