Did you know that the technique is named after Antonio Maria Valhalla,]a seventeenth-century physician and anatomist from Bologna whose principal scientific interest was the human ear. He described the Eustachian tube and the manoeuvre to test its patency (openness). He also described the use of this manoeuvre to expel pus from the middle ear.
For diving we found it very useful but be aware not to blow too hard, you might rupture your inner drum. Small rupture will need a few days to repair but force to much and permeate damage could occur.Do it long and smoothly.
Actually an interesting version of the valsava technique is to pinch your nose blow gently and leave a little of air passing true your nose so you will equalize your mask as well. This will avoid mask squeeze at the same time.
Try it!!!
Simon Trudel
