Freediving equalization is the process of balancing pressure between the external environment and the internal air spaces of the body, primarily the ears and sinuses, as a freediver descends into the water. The goal is to equalize the pressure to prevent discomfort, injury, and facilitate deeper dives. Techniques include valsalva maneuver, frenzel maneuver each involving manipulating air pressure in the respiratory system or trachea to equalize with the increasing water pressure at depth. Successful equalization is crucial for a safe and enjoyable freediving experience.
What Equlisation Method is best ?
The Frenzel maneuver is a technique used in freediving to equalize the pressure in the ears. It's a method of equalization that involves moving air in the mouth with the tongue and larynx to push air into the nasal cavity where the entry points of the Eustachian tubes are, allowing air to pass into the middle ear. This is the best technique to learn due to it requiring very little effort to perform once mastered.
Valsalva is when we pinch our nose and try to push air out of the nose using the chest and diaphragm. This technique is not recommended due to it requiring force and becoming less effective at depth due to Boyle's law. If you don't know what happens to the lungs as we dive, check out this video below
The Valsalva Maneuver is discouraged for the following reasons:
Inefficiency
Disrupts relaxation
Ineffective in a head-down position
Unsafe at greater depths
How to Perfrom the Frenzel
Pinch your nostrils closed firmly.
Position the front of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, forming a 'T' or 'K' sound, or alternatively, exert pressure by squeezing your lips and cheeks as if pronouncing a forceful 'P.'
Close your vocal folds and elevate your larynx to propel air from your mouth into your nose.
Sensation of a popping or clicking sound signifies successful equalization of air in the middle ear.
Repeat these steps as necessary for continued equalisation.
Not sure what you are doing ?
Stand and exhale fully while bending over to expel all the air from your lungs. After holding your breath, stand upright and try to equalize. If you struggle or sense your stomach contracting, you may be using the Valsalva maneuver. Use a mirror to assess and see if your chest is trying to contract while equalizing.
While standing facing the mirror, if you can make your ears pop and see your nostrils inflating, and your trachea moving up and down in small movements as you apply equalization and remove the pressure, you're most likely using the Frenzel maneuver.
Common equlization problems
We need to understand some basic anotomy.
The soft palate, also known as the velum, is the flexible, muscular part toward the back of the roof of the mouth in the human oral cavity. It is located behind the hard palate, which is a bony structure at the front of the roof of the mouth. The soft palate is involved in various functions, including speech and swallowing.
During activities like swallowing or speaking, the soft palate can move. One of its important roles in freediving and equalization techniques, particularly the Frenzel maneuve.
If the soft palate is not in the neutral/open position, we cannot equalize using the Frenzel movement because we cannot get the air into the nasal cavity. We need to develop good soft palate awareness to facilitate smooth equalization. Here's a quick at-home training exercise to gain awareness: with your mouth open, switch between breathing through the nose and mouth, keeping the mouth open the entire time. Notice how your tongue moves to switch and the movement in your larynx. You can also practice breathing through the nose and mouth at the same time; this puts the soft palate into the neutral position.
Vocal folds also known as vocal cords, are a pair of muscular structures located in the larynx (voice box) of the human throat. They play a crucial role in controlling the flow of air from the lungs. During normal breathing, the vocal folds remain open to allow air to pass freely between the lungs and the trachea (windpipe). If we open these during descent while equalizing, we can lose the air into the lungs, and if we do this at depth, it's difficult to bring the air back into the mouth to equalize with, boyles law!
Learning with an experienced freediving instructor, you can discover how to break down the movements of the Frenzel maneuver using an equalization tool and simple exercises in front of the mirror.
By maintaining good relaxation throughout the dive and employing correct technique, the Frenzel technique can empower you to comfortably reach depths of 30/40 meters. This proficiency eliminates the necessity of employing more advanced techniques such the reverse pack.
Frenzel Maneuver Practice:
Learn and practice the Frenzel maneuver with an experienced instructor.
Break down the movements and use equalization tools for better understanding.
Mirror Exercises:
Perform simple equalization exercises in front of a mirror to enhance awareness.
Observe and adjust movements to achieve better control.
Maintain Relaxation:
Emphasize relaxation throughout the entire dive.
Avoid unnecessary tension in facial muscles and throat.
Depth Progression:
Gradually increase depths while maintaining relaxation.
Develop confidence in equalizing at various depths without unnecessary strain.
Instructor Guidance:
Seek guidance from an experienced freediving instructor for personalized feedback.
Address specific challenges and receive expert advice for improvement.
If you're interested in learning more about equalization, feel free to send us a message, and we can discuss your options in detail.
Comments