Unleashing the Power of Breath: Why Our Breathing Technique Matters

Breathing is an incredible ability our bodies are capable of, but most of us take it for granted and barely give it a second thought. As a matter of fact, most of us don’t even realise whether we’re breathing through our mouths or nose. 

Believe it or not, roughly half of adults are mouth-breathers, mainly in the mornings. But here’s the thing: nose-breathing is healthier, and your body is designed to take air in through your nose. It does an excellent job of filtering out bacteria, humidifying, and preparing the air efficiently, which makes it easier for your lungs to use. Plus, nitric oxide production helps improve oxygen circulation in your body. On the other hand, breathing through your mouth can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, gum issues, and even asthma, as well as increase the risk of tooth decay. It’s essential to be mindful of your breathing — your nose and lungs will thank you!

But how do you change your breathing habits? It’s not an easy habit to break since breathing is a subconscious act. However, some easy techniques can help you to master nose breathing while reducing stress and boosting lung function. A few simple exercises like alternate nostril breathing, belly breathing, or Breath of Fire can improve your nasal breathing and lung efficiency. Alternate nostril breathing, for instance, involves breathing through one nostril and exhaling through the other, taking turns. 

To try it out, sit on a chair or comfortably on the floor with your legs crossed, and place your left hand on your left knee. Then, bring your right hand to your nose, leaving your left hand where it was, and exhale all the air out of your lungs.