#417 The Surprising Benefits of Nasal Breathing Nobody Tells You - Leigh Ewin
Sep 7, 2024
auto_awesome
Leigh Ewin, an expert on nasal breathing, shares his insights into its surprising health benefits, particularly for cognitive function and physical wellness. He explains the fascinating mammalian dive reflex and its ties to breath-holding techniques, emphasizing their role in athletic performance. Leigh also discusses the critical differences between nasal and mouth breathing, especially for children's development. He offers practical tips to improve breathing efficiency and reveals details about his upcoming transformative book.
Nasal breathing significantly benefits physical and cognitive development in children by promoting proper jaw alignment and facial structure.
Cold exposure practices, such as ice swimming, enhance mental resilience and activate the body's mammalian dive reflex for improved oxygen conservation.
Breath-holding training techniques, like apnea walks, can optimize athletic performance by enhancing oxygen delivery and supporting overall well-being.
Deep dives
Benefits of Nasal Breathing
Nasal breathing has significant advantages over mouth breathing, particularly in children, as it can enhance physical and cognitive development. This method of breathing promotes proper jaw alignment and facial structure, which can lead to higher IQ levels and better overall health. When breathing through the nose, the tongue naturally rises to the roof of the mouth, supporting the development of the craniofacial structure. Furthermore, nasal breathing improves oxygen efficiency and provides natural filtration through the nasal passages, protecting the body from pathogens.
Experiences with Cold Exposure
The practice of cold exposure, particularly through ice swimming, serves as both a physical and mental challenge, fostering resilience and self-awareness. Engaging in this activity requires complete mental presence to manage the stress of cold temperatures, which contrasts with more disassociated experiences like traditional ice baths. This immersive experience activates the body's mammalian dive response, slowing the heart rate and conserving oxygen, which not only calms individuals but may also offer profound mental benefits. Many individuals report significant boosts in self-belief and a transformative feeling upon resurfacing after cold exposure.
Spleen Function and Freediving
Freedivers, especially those from specific nomadic cultures, have shown physiological adaptations through their training, including increased spleen size that aids in oxygen storage. The spleen acts as a reservoir for high-quality, oxygen-rich blood, allowing for extended breath-holding capabilities in these individuals. This evolutionary trait enhances their diving performance and has been linked to splenic contractions enabling more time spent underwater. Understanding these adaptations sheds light on the health and performance benefits associated with breath-holding techniques.
Breath-Holding Training Protocols
A practical approach to improve breath-holding ability includes techniques such as apnea walks and breath-hold training before exercise. Apnea walks involve breathing in, exhaling to neutral, and walking a set number of steps while monitoring recovery breathing. Another method encourages individuals to practice holding their breath for as long as possible after a deep inhale, followed by a recovery phase. This training leverages physiological responses and can enhance athletic performance through improved oxygen delivery in the body.
Breathe to Inspire
The theme of inspiration is deeply connected to the way we breathe, with proper techniques allowing individuals to access creativity and motivation more effectively. The upcoming book explores the interplay between breathing and personal growth, emphasizing how breath influences our ability to find inspiration in everyday life. Through the integration of storytelling and practical exercises, readers can learn to harness the power of breath to enhance their well-being and creativity. Ultimately, the book aims to help individuals cultivate a deeper connection to their breath, leading to increased inspiration and fulfillment.