The breath grounds, connects and heals the nervous system which is why nose breathing is essential.
Did you know that right nostril breathing (RNB) has a very different and distinct affect on the nervous system compared to left nostril breathing (LNB) ?
The right nostril is the energizing and heating component of the breath and supports a sympathetic “fight or flight” nervous system response (SNS) in the body. Conversely, the left nostril is the cooling component of the breath and supports a parasympathetic “rest and digestion” nervous system (PNS) response in the body.
When we are in a state of balance and good health the dominant nostril that we breathe through changes every 90-120 minutes, this is known as our nasal cycle. This cycle is under the control of our Autonomic Nervous system and regulates a balancing of the PNS and SNS in the body. When we are out of balance this nasal rhythm becomes out of balance and has adverse affects on our mental, physical and emotional health and well-being.
Why is nose breathing essential?
Nose breathing is the correct and most optimal way to breathe for many reasons. Most importantly the nasal passages moisten the air as it enters, the fine hairs filter the air to remove unwanted bacteria, dust and foreign particles and then the air is warmed before it reaches the lungs.
Conversely, mouth breathing results in over-breathing, it elevates blood pressure, heart rate, worsens asthma, allergies, sleep apnea and deprives the heart, brain and other organs optimal oxygenation.
When breathing through our right nostril generalized sympathetic nervous system tonus is experienced, including:
right lung dominance
increased heart rate
increased blood pressure
increased respiration rate
an activated state
increased body temperature
increased locomotor activity
increased cortisol (stress hormone)
increased endorphins
reduces prolactic secretion (an important regulator of the immune system)
When breathing through our left nostril generalized para-sympathetic nervous system tonus is experienced, including:
left lung dominance
decreased heart rate
decreased blood pressure
decreased respiration rate
a more passive, rested state
decreased body temperature
increased locomotor activity
decrease in cortisol (stress hormone)
reduced endorphins
increased prolactic secretion (an important regulator of the immune system)
There are so many reasons to practice conscious breathing, Alternate Nostril Breathing is one of the best therapeutic practices for health. Try it yourself, follow along with this video.
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