Mississauga Writers Group
March 2015
Health and Wellness
A Simple Breath
One of the things we take for granted is our breath. Our breath
is a constant flow and without realizing it, our breath mimics
how we physically feel. When stressed, our breath is short and
fast and when relaxed, it is long and slow. Breathing through
our mouth is quicker and more stressful but doesn’t draw
enough air into our lungs. This causes us to take more
inhalations because more breaths are needed to compensate
and we tire easier from the extra effort. Nostril breaths are
slower and draw more air directly into the lungs and need less
repetition and effort.
How we breathe is also important. Mouth breathing draws the
air into the mouth down the esophagus and into the stomach.
There is a small opening in the esophagus as the air goes down
which allows some air into the windpipe/trachea and then
into the lungs. The problem with a mouth breath is you
swallow air with all the dirt and contamination into the
stomach and the lungs.
Nostril breathing goes through the nose and directly down the
windpipe/trachea and straight into the lungs. The nose filters
and warms the air and the movement of the air going through
the nose causes a slight vibration which massages the brain
and sinuses located behind the nose. More volume of air
enters the lungs through the nose and less effort is needed for
the intake of air. The nostril breath replenishes the air in the
lungs better than the mouth breath.
Unfortunately most people breathe through the mouth which
is the most unsanitary. Retraining yourself to nostril breathe
isn’t difficult and it takes us back to a more natural way like
Because you can only sniff through your nostrils, the easiest
way to teach yourself how to nostril breathe is to practice the
“Sniffing Breath”. Start by taking 4 quick and sharp sniffs and
then release the breath with one long exhalation. Repeat 4
times. At first do this several times during the day when possible
and continue for a few weeks. In time, you will readjust yourself to
By: Elizabeth Banfalvi
Certified Reflexologist. Author of
“Meditation” book series. Conducts
workshops on stress & meditation.
.