The Study found that regular conch-blowing exercises strengthen the throat, tongue, and respiratory muscles.
Jaipur: Blowing into a conch shell could provide relief from snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — a sleep disorder that affects millions worldwide, according to a study.
The study, carried out at Eternal Hospital in Jaipur, found that regular conch-blowing exercises strengthen the throat, tongue, and respiratory muscles. This improved muscle tone helps keep the airway open, reducing snoring and breathing interruptions during sleep.
OSA occurs when breathing starts and stops during sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring and making gasping or choking noises.
30 people living with the disorder and aged between 19 and 65 were involved in the trial, led by researchers at the Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute in Jaipur, India.
According to the findings, 14 patients were trained to blow a conch for 15 minutes, twice daily, while the other 16 practiced deep-breathing exercises. After six months, the conch-blowing group showed a 34% reduction in daytime sleepiness, improved sleep quality, and a decline in snoring and sleep apnea episodes.
This is the world’s first randomized controlled trial on the subject, and its results were recently published in the European Respiratory Journal Open Research.
The concept was first proposed by researchers in 2018, suggesting that conch-blowing, like playing other wind instruments, can offer therapeutic benefits. Currently, a detailed study is underway at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, to understand the muscle changes triggered by this practice.
A cost-effective alternative
Conch blowing, also known as shankh blowing, is an ancient ritual that involves breathing in deeply and exhaling into the spiral-shaped shell. In Ayurveda, it considered beneficial for lung capacity, mental concentration, and overall well-being. Experts believe it could serve as a low-cost, easily accessible alternative to expensive treatment options—especially for patients who cannot use CPAP devices for extended periods.
 — a sleep disorder that affects millions worldwide, according to a study. The study, carried out at Eternal Hospital in Jaipur, found that regular conch-blowing exercises strengthen the throat, tongue, and respiratory muscles.){kind=link}