Why you should breathe through your nose

During the hormone yoga classes I always say: inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Why breathe in through the nose? In this article you will find a few explanations as to why you should breathe through your nose, not only in yoga but also in your everyday life.

Temperature regulation

The nose warms the inhaled air before it reaches the lungs. As a result, the air is better adapted to the body temperature and reduces the risk of respiratory infections or Irritations.

Air filtering

The nasal cavity contains mucus and tiny hairs that act as a natural filter to remove dirt, dust and other particles from inhaled air. This helps to keep the airways clean and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.

Humidity regulation

The nose moistens the inhaled air by covering it with moisture from the mucus. This prevents the sensitive mucous membranes in the airways from drying out and makes breathing easier.

Protection from dehydration

Mouth breathing can lead to increased water loss as the inhaled air is not channelled through the moist mucous membranes of the nose. Nasal breathing helps to maintain the body’s water balance and prevent dehydration.

Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system

Inhaling through the nose activates the vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. This leads to relaxation of the body, lowers the heart rate and reduces stress.

Nitric oxide production

The paranasal sinuses produce nitric oxide, a gaseous molecule that plays an important role in dilating the blood vessels in the lungs. This improves oxygen exchange and promotes more efficient oxygen uptake.

So: Inhale through your nose – exhale through your mouth