Cannot equalize upside down - major head / sinus pressure when upside down. Can Frenzel feet first. Not soft palate issue!
Hi there!
New to freediving. I've done my wave 1, but I cannot equalize upside down. A common issue. I can Frenzel fine feet first, and at an angle.
I know it is not my soft palate as I can actually control that when upside down (tried the balloon exercises upside down haha). What I experience actually is that as soon as I past a certain angle and upside down, it feels like my head wants to explode. As if my brain is coming out my nose. I get so much pressure in my sinuses (forehead, behind eyes). It makes me feel slightly nauseous. And if I try to equalize that pressure only builds and it hurts. Even at surface level.
Even on land when I bend over to pick something up, or do a downward dog or handstand, I feel so much pressure in my head. I thought this was normal but apparently not everyone has this haha. As far as I know I don't have sinus issues / allergies. My nose is not congested and I can breathe fine haha. I do live in a tropical environment with AC on at night.
I will see an ENT specialist soon, but was wondering if anyone has similar experiences and what causes it? If there are any fixes?
Thank you!