The Secret to Better Health? It's Right Under Your Nose.

Life is, quite literally, a series of breaths. From our first inhale to our last exhale, breath sustains us. Yet, how often do we really think about how we breathe? Over the years, I've had countless conversations about breathing and one question keeps popping up: Is it better to breathe through your nose or your mouth?

The answer, rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern science, is overwhelmingly clear: nostril breathing is essential for optimal health and well-being. It's a foundation of proper breathing and something I've personally experienced during my Yoga journey.

I've always been drawn to the principles of yoga and mindful breathing, and I understood, on some level, the importance of breathing through my nose. But like many people, I wasn't always conscious of my breathing patterns in daily life. It wasn't until I experienced a period of increased stress and some nagging health issues that I truly realised the profound impact of how we breathe. That's when I committed to deepening my practice, exploring techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, rhythmic pranayama, and mindful walking, and truly understanding the science and wisdom behind it all.

This isn't just a modern "wellness trend." The importance of nostril breathing has been understood for centuries, and it's a core principle in all yogic texts, especially as part of traditional Pranayama practices. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a classic text on Hatha Yoga, extensively discusses the purification of nadis (energy channels) through practices like Nadi Shodhana, which relies on nostril breathing. I recently came across a fascinating book, "The Science of Breath," written in 1904 by Yogi Ramacharaka (a pseudonym for William Atkinson), that beautifully echoes these ancient teachings. His words, though written over a century ago, are strikingly relevant today:

"The breathing mechanism of Man is so constructed that he may breathe either through the mouth or nasal tubes, but it is a matter of vital importance to him which method he follows, as one brings health and strength and the other disease and weakness…The ignorance of civilized people regarding this simple matter is astounding. We find people from all walks of life habitually breathing through their mouths, and allowing their children to follow the same horrible example… From mouth to lungs the dirt or impure substance has a clear track, and the entire respiratory system is unprotected."

While Ramacharaka's language might seem a bit dramatic today, his core message is clear: the nose is designed for breathing, and the mouth is not.

Fast forward to today, and modern science is echoing this ancient wisdom. Journalist James Nestor, in his book "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art," chronicles his own self-experimentation and research into the science of breathing. He explores how mouth breathing can negatively impact everything from sleep quality and posture to immune function and even facial structure. Nestor's work, along with the findings of numerous researchers, highlights the incredible benefits of nasal breathing.

So, why is nostril breathing so important? Here are a few key reasons:

• Filtering: Your nostrils act as a natural filter, trapping dust, allergens, and other airborne particles.

• Humidifying: The nasal passages warm and humidify the air before it reaches your lungs, protecting delicate tissues.

• Nitric Oxide Production: Nasal breathing boosts nitric oxide production, a molecule that plays a vital role in vasodilation (widening blood vessels), improving oxygen uptake, and supporting cardiovascular health.

• Calming the Nervous System: Nostril breathing tends to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (your "rest and digest" response), promoting relaxation.

• Improved Sleep Quality: Mouth breathing is linked to snoring and sleep apnea.

• Proper Jaw Development (Especially in Children): Nasal breathing supports proper jaw and facial development in growing children.

• Better Posture: Helps you to have a better posture.

You might be thinking, "What about when I'm exercising? What about when I have a cold?" These are valid questions. While there are times when mouth breathing is sometimes unavoidable (like during intense exercise), the habitual practice of mouth breathing is what's detrimental.

The goal is to train yourself to breathe through your nose as much as possible, even during physical activity. Start by focusing on nasal breathing during low-intensity activities like walking, and gradually increase the intensity as you become more comfortable. Start slowly, be patient with yourself, and gradually increase your nasal breathing capacity. You'll find your body can fix this.

Breathe well,

Manish

Founder, Breathe Balance

An Excert from Science of Breathe, by Yogi Ramacharaka (1862-1932)

Ready to experience the benefits for yourself? Join our upcoming breathwork, pranayama, and yoga workshops in North Shore and Sydney. We offer beginner-friendly sessions that combine these practices with the restorative power of nature. Check our Meetup group for upcoming events and locations.