Breathing through the nose is essential for efficient air filtration, humidification, and oxygen absorption, leading to improved overall health.
Slowing down breathing can enhance circulation, oxygen delivery, and trigger a parasympathetic response, aiding in stress reduction and well-being.
Practicing deep, slow breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can reverse lung capacity decline, improve respiratory efficiency, and promote relaxation.
Mastering proper breathing techniques, like alternate nostril breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, can boost immune function, combat viruses, and contribute to longevity.
Deep dives
Breathing Through the Nose vs. the Mouth
Breathing through the nose is crucial as it humidifies, pressurizes, and filters the air more efficiently than mouth breathing, which can lead to improved oxygen absorption. A study revealed that nasal breathing enhances circulation and oxygen delivery, emphasizing the importance of breathing through the nose.
Benefits of Slowing Down Breathing
Slowing down breathing not only calms the mind but also increases circulation and oxygen delivery. Studies have shown that slower breathing can bolster heart rate variability and trigger a parasympathetic response, aiding in stress reduction and overall well-being.
Maintaining Lung Capacity and Increasing Efficiency
As we age, lung capacity tends to decrease, affecting oxygen intake. Breathing practices like yoga and deep, slow breathing can reverse lung capacity decline and enhance respiratory efficiency, leading to improved oxygen absorption and overall health.
Breathing Techniques for Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Controlling breathing patterns by slowing down breathing and increasing CO2 levels has been effective in reducing anxiety and panic attacks. Deep and light breaths can help in sending calming signals to the brain, regulating the body's response to stress and anxiety.
Implications of Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing, involving the lower belly rather than chest breathing, stimulates a parasympathetic response, promoting relaxation. This method is associated with increased oxygen absorption and heart efficiency, offering benefits like lower heart rate and enhanced circulation.
Effects of Alternate Nostril Breathing
Alternate nostril breathing can influence blood pressure, heart rate, and brain activity, depending on which nostril is used. This technique can promote a balance between the left analytical brain and the right creative brain, aiding in overall mental and emotional well-being.
Importance of Breathing Through the Nose
Breathing through the nose plays a crucial role in filtering out pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. Additionally, the release of nitric oxide in the nasal cavity interacts directly with viruses to neutralize them. Nitric oxide production in the nose helps in defending against viruses, and specific practices like humming can significantly increase nitric oxide levels, promoting better immune function and virus resistance.
Significance of Proper Breathing Techniques
Mastering proper breathing techniques can have profound effects on overall health and longevity. Improving lung capacity and respiratory health can positively impact lifespan and well-being. By focusing on deep breathing, diaphragm engagement, and flexibility of the respiratory system, individuals can enhance their body's ability to function optimally and combat various health issues successfully.
“There is going to be an explosion of focus on breathing. There used to be. We forgot about it for 40 years and here we are again.”
Today's guest is author and journalist James Nestor, who believes that the world has lost the ability to breathe properly and after spending years in laboratories, working with researchers at Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, and other institutions to figure out what went wrong with our breathing, he’s learned how to fix it. Lewis and James have a wide-ranging discussion on the power of breathing through the nose and all the positive effects it has on the body, immune system, mental health, and more!
