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A customary technique involving the blowing of a conch shell demonstrates potential in alleviating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and severe snoring (2025, August 10)
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Ancient Breathing Exercise Shows Promise for Snoring and Sleep Apnea Relief
Geneva, Switzerland – august 10, 2025 – A centuries-old practice utilizing the Turbinella pyrum conch shell is emerging as a potential non-invasive therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring, according to preliminary research presented today at the International Sleep Medicine Conference in Geneva. The technique, rooted in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and practiced in regions of India and Southeast Asia for generations, involves specific breathing exercises performed while blowing into the shell.
Researchers at the University of Zurich, led by Dr. Anya Sharma, a specialist in respiratory physiology, have been investigating the physiological effects of this practice. Their initial findings, published in the Journal of Sleep Research (August 2025 issue), suggest that the sustained exhalation required when blowing into the conch shell strengthens the muscles of the upper airway, reducing the likelihood of collapse during sleep – a primary cause of both snoring and OSA.
Obstructive sleep apnea affects an estimated 22 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, with approximately 80% of cases remaining undiagnosed. Current treatments include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances, and, in severe cases, surgery. However, adherence to CPAP therapy is often low due to discomfort and inconvenience, creating a need for option solutions.
The conch shell therapy works by creating a resistance during exhalation, similar to pursed-lip breathing exercises commonly recommended for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This resistance increases the pressure within the airway, effectively “training” the muscles to remain open.Dr. Sharma’s team utilized electromyography (EMG) to measure the activity of the genioglossus, hyoglossus, and palatoglossus muscles – key muscles involved in maintaining airway patency – during the conch shell breathing exercises. Results showed a statistically significant increase in muscle activity compared to control groups performing standard breathing exercises.
the study involved 30 participants with mild to moderate OSA, randomly assigned to either a conch shell breathing group or a control group. Participants in the conch shell group practiced the technique for 15 minutes daily over a period of three months. sleep studies conducted before and after the intervention revealed a 40% reduction in Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) scores in the conch shell group, compared to a 10% reduction in the control group. AHI measures the number of apneas (complete cessation of breathing) and hypopneas (significant reduction in breathing) per hour of sleep.
The Turbinella pyrum conch shell itself is believed to possess unique acoustic properties that may further enhance the therapeutic effect. Analysis conducted by Dr. Kenji tanaka, a bioacoustics expert at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, indicates that the shell’s resonant frequency aligns with natural breathing patterns, potentially promoting relaxation and reducing stress – factors known to exacerbate sleep disorders. The shells used in the study where sourced from sustainable fisheries in the Bay of bengal.
While these findings are promising,researchers emphasize that further inquiry is needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of conch shell therapy. Larger, multi-center clinical trials are planned to assess its potential as a complementary or alternative treatment for OSA and snoring. The University
