Why do we breathe through our nose in a yoga practice?

Our noses were designed for breathing and our mouths were designed for eating. In a yoga practice, our breathing is done through the nose, except when instructed to exhale through the mouth. When we inhale, we are activating the sympathetic (fight or flight) branch of our central nervous system. When we exhale, we are activating the parasympathetic (rest and digest) branch of the central nervous system.

When we inhale through our nose, our nasal passages filter out toxic particles, cleaning the air as it descends down into our lungs. Our nasal passages also either warm the air or cool the air as it comes in to match our body temperature. Breathing through the nose gives our lungs enough time to absorb the oxygen completely vs mouth breathing where the air temperature is not moderated and the air rushes in and out of our lungs without enough time to completely absorb the oxygen.

Breathing through our nose increases the production of nitric oxide (NO – made by the nose and sinus mucous membranes) in the blood. Nitric oxide has many functions in the body, including but not limited to:

· It assists our trillions of cells as they communicate with each other transmitting signals throughout our body.

· It increases our sense of smell.

· It helps with you sleep better.

· It reduces blood pressure.

· It helps with better memory.

Focusing on our breath during practice, helps to calm down the mind. When the breath is steady and calm, the mind follows.