"Your Mouth Shouldn't Be Used For Breathing" | RTÉ Radio 1 Interview with Patrick McKeown
Jul 11, 2024
auto_awesome
Patrick McKeown, a breathing expert and author, shares insights into the transformative power of breathwork. He discusses how nasal breathing can improve athletic performance and emotional regulation. McKeown highlights the health benefits of overcoming asthma through mastering breathing techniques. He also introduces innovative products like myotape that encourage proper breathing during sleep. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of teaching children effective breathing methods to enhance their mental and physical well-being.
Breathwork techniques, including nasal breathing, significantly enhance athletic performance by helping athletes manage stress and focus during competitions.
Shifting from mouth breathing to nasal breathing can improve overall health by optimizing oxygen uptake and preventing chronic issues like asthma.
Deep dives
The Role of Breathwork in Athletic Performance
Breathwork is increasingly recognized as a vital component in enhancing athletic performance, as illustrated by its application with high-profile sports teams. Notably, the English football team's recent success in the Euros has been attributed to the incorporation of breath regulation techniques taught by breathing coaches. This method helps athletes manage stress and focus during high-pressure situations, which is crucial for optimal performance. By learning to self-regulate their breathing, athletes can lower their heart rates and calm pre-competition nerves, ultimately reducing the likelihood of errors during critical moments.
The Importance of Nasal Breathing
Nasal breathing is emphasized as a fundamental practice for both adults and children to improve overall health. Unlike mouth breathing, which can lead to a range of issues, nasal breathing enhances oxygen uptake and supports various bodily functions, including sleep quality and cognitive function. Patrick McCown notes that improper breathing can result in chronic conditions, such as asthma, and even contribute to facial abnormalities in children. By making nasal breathing a habitual practice, individuals may experience significant improvements in their health and well-being.
Techniques for Improving Breathing Practices
Simple techniques can dramatically transform breathing habits, leading to better health outcomes. For instance, maintaining closed mouth breathing and focusing on inhaling and exhaling through the nose can help individuals overcome sleep apnea and snoring issues. Specific exercises, such as breath-holding combined with gentle head movements, can aid in relieving nasal congestion. Additionally, products like the myotape, designed to help keep the mouth closed during sleep, are becoming popular among those seeking to enhance their breathing practices.
Patrick was interviewed on Ireland's National Radio Station, RTÉ Radio 1, this week. It was an amazing interview, and great to hear so many Irish supporters tuned in.
Here is the full interview.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode