Breathing Better, Feeling Better

Breathing is not likely something that is on your radar when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle.

Did you know that how you breathe can directly impact your health and how you feel?

One of the main things to consider is if you are a nasal breather or a mouth breather. The most efficient method of inhaling is through the nose using the diaphragm (Tecklin, 1981).

Signs of mouth breathing:

Snoring
Bad breath
Dry mouth
Hoarseness
Waking up tired and irritable
Chronic fatigue
Dark circles under the eyes

Problems associated with mouth breathing:

Forward Head Posture
Neck tightness
Jaw pain
Headache

There are many causes of mouth breathing including: allergies, colds, chronic sinus disease, shape/size of the jaw, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils/adenoids, stress, anxiety, and at times it is just a habit that has developed over time.

Benefits of Nasal Breathing

Natural filtration of air
Humidification of air
Warms the air entering your body
Better oxygenation of lungs

The simple act of moving more air through the nostril can help to clear it. The positioning of the tongue can also impact the sinuses as a tongue that is on the roof of the mouth can help keep the palate (roof of your mouth) expanded maximally.

Postural Restoration is a therapy intervention that focuses on maximizing respiratory control and efficiently through education, exercise, and hands on treatment.

If you feel your breathing technique could use improvement and think it is impacting your health, come in for a consult.