Skip to main content

AQUATIC TACTICS: Equalizing Pressure-The “Hands-Free” Series by Mark Hatmaker


[This article is best consumed in series with the prior offerings regarding Aquatic Tactics.]

In the previous lesson we covered the science behind the essential need for pressure-equalization when working sub-surface and ran through a series of methods to accomplish this end that required a free hand, i.e., “The Pinch Series.”

We closed that exploration with the following observation… “how do we account for equalizations made by indigenous divers at depth who may have a fishing spear in one hand and a sea-harvesting basket in the other or a clutched surface-line? Let alone the horrible contingency of a sub-surface swim with hands shackled behind one’s back.”

Without hands being free, how does one make the vital equalization?

Turns out there are few hands-free methods used by indigenous divers that we can adopt for our own uses.

We won’t go over the same anatomy lesson offered in the prior offering but wisdom dictates that if one is refreshed as to how we used controlled air-pressure and subtle twists and turns of our own anatomy to move the Eustachian tubes from collapsed to open that will make consumption of what follows much easier.

A yawn is the classic hands-free method used to equalize pressure above surface. Anytime we increase altitude whether flying, enjoying a mountain drive, or assaulting K2 a yawn accompanied by a popping in the ears as the Eustachian tubes move from collapsed to open is our natural bit of pressure-equalization.

The trouble is that sub-surface the wide-mouthed yawn is not feasible, but we can utilize methods that simulate the yawn.

“The Closed Mouth Yawn.” Contract the muscles in the soft palate [the rear roof of the mouth] while you leave your mouth closed. Add to this a bit of contraction of the muscles in the throat and moving the jaw forward and down.

This series of motions performed smoothly often provides the tubal opening required to equalize pressure. This is an easy one to experiment with on dry land, if performed before a mirror be prepared for your unusual facial expressions.

“Tilting.” The most common [and perhaps easiest] of the indigenous sub-surface equalizations is running the head through a series of tilts. An extreme tilt of the head to the left side stretches and often opens the Eustachian tube on the right side and vice versa.

You should find that if you tilt the head while looking upward, that is head tilted backward in addition to the sideward tilts there is an easier avenue to “popping.”

If you combine titling with the constriction of soft palate and throat muscles with a bit of jaw-maneuvering the job is often accomplished asap.

Again, refer to the timing of equalizations in the prior article in this series. It is vital to be in front of the need to equalize and that starts when bone-dry.

[Next in this series—Safe Ascents.]

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Apache Running by Mark Hatmaker

Of the many Native American tribes of the southwest United States and Mexico the various bands of Apache carry a reputation for fierceness, resourcefulness, and an almost superhuman stamina. The name “Apache” is perhaps a misnomer as it refers to several different tribes that are loosely and collectively referred to as Apache, which is actually a variant of a Zuni word Apachu that this pueblo tribe applied to the collective bands. Apachu in Zuni translates roughly to “enemy” which is a telling detail that shines a light on the warrior nature of these collective tribes.             Among the various Apache tribes you will find the Kiowa, Mescalero, Jicarilla, Chiricahua (or “Cherry-Cows” as early Texas settlers called them), and the Lipan. These bands sustained themselves by conducting raids on the various settled pueblo tribes, Mexican villages, and the encroaching American settlers. These American settlers were often immig...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Original Roadwork by Mark Hatmaker

  Mr. Muldoon Roadwork. That word, to the combat athlete, conjures images of pre-dawn runs, breath fogging the morning air and, to many, a drudgery that must be endured. Boxers, wrestlers, kickboxers the world over use roadwork as a wind builder, a leg conditioner, and a grit tester. The great Joe Frazier observed… “ You can map out a fight plan or a life plan, but when the action starts, it may not go the way you planned, and you're down to the reflexes you developed in training. That's where roadwork shows - the training you did in the dark of the mornin' will show when you're under the bright lights .” Roadwork has been used as a tool since man began pitting himself against others of his species in organized combat. But…today’s question . Has it always been the sweat-soaked old school gray sweat suit pounding out miles on dark roads or, was it something subtler, and, remarkably slower? And if it was, why did we transition to what, and I repeat myself,...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Conversation with Master Bladesman, James Keating by Mark Hatmaker

For those not in the know… James Albert Keating: Master at Arms - Astonishingly good with all small weapons. A graduate of the ESI Bodyguard academy. A knife designer of note. A writer of poem, prose and storied tale. Four books to his name so far. Currently residing on a large Arabian horse ranch in the mountains of Oregon. Keating is the owner and operator of the Comtech Training Studio known worldwide as home to a vast array of fighters, fencers and fast guns. Keating has operated the training hall since 1972 when he first began teaching publicly. James Keating has trained in various combative systems since age 10. Just shy of being sixty years of hard work in the martial arts and tactical fields. His 2018 season of training seminars looks as strong as one of his hand made Bowie knives. His beliefs are as follows: " We advance together into the unknown future with the strength of our abilities sustaining us through thick and thin. Skill banishes fear. Skill is the secret, ...
9 comments
Read more