Find your inner peace and clear your nose

During the cold months of the winter, it's extremely common to experience post nasal drip and sinus pressure from the dry air. When mucus accumulates at the back of the throat, it can lead to a sore throat or chronic cough and even make it difficult to breathe through the nose. It's uncomfortable, but luckily, there are ways to prevent it.

From allergies to a common cold, causes of post nasal drip can vary, as can as the severity of the situation. Adding a humidifier to your home is one of the easiest ways to treat post nasal drip, and it also helps defeat dry mouth.  The moisture in the air will help the mucus become thinner, making it easier to swallow – this may seem gross, but it's the natural way the body uses mucus.

For thousands of years, the practice of yoga has been used to increase circulation, reduce stagnation and help the body upkeep its internal defenses. Today, it is primarily used for recreation and to stay fit - and there's nothing wrong with that! But did you know there are specific poses intended to release sinus pressure and stimulate circulation through the nasal passages? Yep, that's why you feel so great after leaving your afternoon yoga class. Next time you're feeling pressure in your sinuses or symptoms of post nasal drip, try these poses and feel the release:

Standing forward bend
While standing up, you'll want to take a deep inhale and draw the chest forward. On an exhale, you will fold over the hips leading with the heart, and grasp the back of the legs where it is comfortable. With the head and neck in a relaxed state, you can stay in this position for up to five minutes. This posture can help drain the sinuses and release the pressure in the nose.

Plow pose
While laying on the back, you'll extend your arms down along your sides and lift the hips up into the air. Then, with control, you'll swing your legs up and over your head until your toes hit the ground behind your head. Without moving the head or neck, you can hold this posture for up to five minutes while breathing in deep and slow. This is a very challenging position, but it can do wonders to unblock your sinuses!

If you feel like you're experiencing dry mouth because of your post nasal drip, doing the most common yoga pose, a downward facing dog, can help dramatically. In addition to draining the sinuses, it allows for better breath flow.