We tend to take care of our hygiene and fitness by eating healthy food, exercising, and sleeping well (at least 7 hours). They are vital. We avoid paying attention to our breathing. Good breathing is all that the body needs for oxygen which has to be in appropriate levels and can reach through the system.
There are myths that one has to switch to mouth breathing during a physical exercise or during sleeping, etc because of the need for more air or suffocation. But, that is not really helping the body system.
I came across a YouTube channel ‘Oxygen Advantage‘ by Patrick McKeown dedicated to breathing. The videos especially demonstrate breathing and the importance of nasal-only breathing made me think deeper and influence my daily routine.
Nasal breathing is a more efficient way of breathing – increasing oxygen intake to the lungs and utilization at the cellular level. It helps us to calm down. The method is to take slow, deep diaphragmatic breaths. It also gives greater oxygen uptake and delivery to working muscles, thus maximizing stamina. If you continuously train with nasal breathing over a period of 10 to 12 weeks, amazing adaptions will happen.
From the video, I gather:
1. Carbon dioxide is important for red blood cells to release oxygen to the cells. It is called the Bohr Effect
2. Uptake of oxygen into the cells in the blood, thus air goes deeper into the lungs. Gas exchange improves when you breathe from the nose
3. Maintain diaphragmatic strength through nasal breathing
4. Nasal breathing improves fitness levels
5. Nasal breathing improves recovery
6. Nasal breathing aids in dealing with anxiety
7. Sleeping patterns will be better if you adapt to nasal breathing
Remember ‘Mouth is for eating and nose is for breathing’.
A very convincing video by Patrick McKeown will change your perspective towards nasal breathing. On research, I see he has even a book ‘The Oxygen Advantage’.
Patrick explicitly explains the science of nasal breathing.
Cover photo courtesy: Mirror.co.uk
