By Skyler Zarndt MS, ATC, RSCC
Okay, let’s just take a moment to appreciate how good the Netflix original series “Stranger Things” is. If you haven’t watched it yet, do it.
Now, this post isn’t related to the show at all. Except for the fact that I want to quickly discuss mouth breathing as well as nostril breathing.
And as obvious as it sounds, we want to be nostril breathers.
I think we can all agree that mouth breathing is unattractive and unrefined. It also carries a load of issues that come with it, such as:
- Poor sleep and sleep disturbances
- Digestive disturbances
- Headaches
- Bad Breath
- Sore throat and dry mouth
But besides from the aesthetics of mouth breathing, what is more important is the effect that the TYPE of breathing has on our body. And like a lot of posts, I’m very interested in shutting down tone, restoring position, and getting the body to recover.
So shut your mouth.
Breathe.
And breathe through your left nostril.
Yes, you read that correctly.
When it comes to activating our parasympathetic nervous system, our left nostril is where it’s at. And when it comes to shutting down and getting into recovery mode, the parasympathetic system runs the show.
So try sitting in a comfortable position, put your right index finger over your right nostril, and take 20-30 breaths through your left nostril.
It’s as easy as that.
Or try alternating between left and right.
Just understand that left and right nostril breathing will have an effect on our nervous system. Left to calm us down, right to jack us up. Mega-oversimplified, but you get the point.
But regardless, don’t be a mouth breather, or Eleven might come after you.
Strength By Skyler 