“For many participants, the experience was both culturally familiar"
New research suggests that conch blowing could offer modern health benefits.
Blowing a conch shell, known in India as Shankh blowing, may improve sleep and breathing in people with moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The findings come from a study by doctors at Eternal Hospital in Jaipur.
Dr Krishna K Sharma, director of pulmonology at Eternal Hospital and lead researcher, said:
“This simple practice strengthens the breathing muscles and improves airway tone, helping keep passages open during sleep.
“Many participants slept better, snored less, and felt more energetic during the day.”
The randomised controlled trial was conducted at Eternal Heart Care Centre and Research Institute in Rajasthan. It involved 30 adults newly diagnosed with moderate OSA.
Fourteen participants were trained to blow a conch shell for 15 minutes a day, five days a week, over six months. The remaining 16 performed deep breathing exercises as a placebo control.
After six months, the conch-blowing group saw a 34% reduction in daytime sleepiness and improved sleep quality scores.
They experienced four to five fewer apnoea events per hour of sleep, with nighttime oxygen levels rising by an average of 7%. Their neck circumference also decreased, suggesting structural changes in the airway.
The control group saw no significant improvements, and in some cases, slightly worsened readings.
Dr Sharma continued: “For many participants, the experience was both culturally familiar and physically beneficial.
“Several reported not only better sleep and reduced snoring, but also a sense of calm and improved daytime energy.”
Conch blowing involves deep inhalation followed by forceful exhalation through the shell’s narrow opening, creating a resonant sound.
The action engages the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and upper airway muscles, providing resistance training for the respiratory system.
Researchers believe this muscle activation helps prevent airway collapse during sleep, the hallmark of OSA.
Shankh blowing is deeply rooted in Hindu rituals and ceremonies. Traditionally seen as a spiritual act, it is now being explored for its therapeutic potential in treating sleep apnoea.
The condition affects millions worldwide and is typically treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
While CPAP is highly effective, many patients, especially those with milder symptoms, find it uncomfortable or hard to maintain.
Dr Sharma’s team says conch blowing could offer a culturally relevant, low-cost alternative or supplement to existing therapies.
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