Nasal breathing is extremely beneficial to one's health for numerous reasons, and was advocated by Eastern religions and philosophies for centuries before Western medicine embraced the practice. Since then, studies have proven that through nose breathing, one reduces physical health risks, while also increasing endurance and focus.
History
Experts point to early human evolution as the first sign that we were meant to be nose breathers---after all, the nose was designed to breathe, while the mouth was designed to take in nourishment. Additionally, through evolution our noses were equipped with sinuses to keep out harmful substances that our mouths cannot.
Eastern religions and practices---such as yoga---have continuously embraced nose breathing throughout their extensive histories.
Function
Nose breathing functions in many ways, allowing the lungs to absorb more oxygen, causing balanced pH levels in the bloodstream, and forcing us to breathe more slowly, which in turn causes our bodies to slow down, reducing stress and the risk of diseases associated with stress.
Physical Benefits
The physical benefits of nose breathing are many: Increased oxygen in the lungs means greater endurance, more regulated breathing, and less toxins and bacteria let into the body and absorbed into the bloodstream. These benefits lead to better physical health and reduced risks of sleep apnea, heart conditions, hypertension, high blood pressure and dehydration.
Emotional Benefits
Breathing through one's nose holds numerous emotional and mental benefits as well, including greater energy and an increased ability to focus. Regulating and slowing our breathing patterns down through nose breathing also releases us from our often chaotic thought processes and reduces our stress levels, leading to greater emotional stability.
Expert Insight
Many medical and philosophical experts laud the benefits of nose breathing. Doctors point out that shallow mouth breathing causes numerous anxiety and stress-related problems that deep, regulated nose breathing can prevent. Leaders in the yoga world also advocate the benefits of nose breathing, claiming that studied nose breathing will lead to greater inner peace, emotional health and quality of life. Once a yogi has mastered the technique of nose breathing, experts claim, he is able to master more challenging physical feats in his yoga practice, as well.
Tags: nose breathing, benefits nose, benefits nose breathing, through nose, Eastern religions