The Importance of Nose Breathing
There is evidence that breathing through the nose, creates air oscillations which can increase nitric oxide (NO) through the rise in exchange of air between the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses. The paranasal sinuses can then produce larger amounts of nitric oxide which increase oxygen uptake. Nitric oxide is a powerful and potent vasodialator. Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) was shown in research studies to be reduced during nasal breathing when compared to mouth breathing. Additionally, nitric oxide aids in nonspecific host defense against infections stemming from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites (Trivedi & Saboo, 2021).
In 1988, the Nobel Prize in Physiology was awared to Robert F. Furchgott of the State University of New York Health Science Center in Brooklyn, Ferid Murad of the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, and Louis J. Ignarro of the University of California School of Medicine in Los Angeles. The award was for their discoveries regarding nitric oxide as a signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system.
Furchgott had previously discovered that endothelial cells that line the interior blood vessels, produce this signaling molecule of nitric oxide (NO). NO makes nearby muscles to relax and consequently help to regulate blood pressure. More recently, scientists have discovered that the enzymes with which cells make the short-lived gas, play a role in activities as such as immunity, memory formation, and tumor suppression. Some brain cells also send messages using NO. Immune cells release bursts of nitric oxide to kill infectious organisms and cancer cells. Doctors are also researching the effects of nitric oxide with premature infants to stimulate blood flow to their underdeveloped lungs (Travis, 1998).
Yoga (qigong), tai chi, meditation, martial arts and other methods often put a major emphasis on regulated breathing through the nose.
References:
Trivedi, G. Y., & Saboo, B. (2021). Bhramari Pranayama – A simple lifestyle intervention to reduce heart rate, enhance the lung function and immunity. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 12(3), 562–564. https://doi-org.northernvermont.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2021.07.004
Travis, J. (1998, October 17). Medical Nobel prize says yes to NO. (nitric oxide research honored)(Brief Article). Science News, v154(n16), p246.
YOU’VE BEEN BREATHING ALL WRONG: Hey mouth-breathers! Use your nose to boost immunity–and mood.(SCIENCE). (2020, July 1). Maclean’s, 133(6), 76.
SETTERGREN, ANGDIN, ASTUDILLO, GELINDER, LISKA, LUNDBERG, WEITZBERG, & Settergren, G. (1998). Decreased pulmonary vascular resistance during nasal breathing: modulation by endogenous nitric oxide from the paranasal sinuses. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 163(3), 235–239.
Struben, V. M. D., Wieringa, M. H., Mantingh, C. J., Bruinsma, S. M., de Jongste, J. C., & Feenstra, L. (2005). Silent and humming nasal NO measurements in adults aged 18–70 years. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 35(10), 653–657. https://doi-org.northernvermont.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/j.1365-2362.2005.01559.x
Ethmoid Bone – Location – Structure – Relationships. (2020, December 5). TeachMeAnatomy. https://teachmeanatomy.info/head/osteology/ethmoid-bone/
______________
Be more active, eat healthier, sleep better, stress less these are the key components to maintaining a strong immune system.
I am currently offering lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo
I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises
Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo
Jim Moltzan
407-234-0119
www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan
United Martial Arts Association 