"Unlocking Calm: Nasal Breathing and Tongue Placement Benefits"
The Importance of Tongue Placement in Nasal Breathing
An often overlooked aspect of nasal breathing is the placement of the tongue on the roof of the mouth. This simple practice, deeply rooted in Chinese medicine, plays a crucial role in enhancing the benefits of breathing.
Placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth completes the microcosmic orbit, a key energy pathway in the body. This position helps to ensure optimal airflow and promotes better breathing mechanics. Proper tongue placement helps open the nasal passages, allowing for smoother and more efficient airflow into the lungs. This enhances the oxygen exchange process, ensuring that your body gets the maximum benefit from each breath.
By maintaining this tongue placement, you facilitate the smooth flow of energy, or Qi, through your body. According to Chinese medicine, the microcosmic orbit connects the major energy channels of the body, circulating Qi from the head to the lower body and back up. This continuous flow of energy is essential for maintaining balance, relaxation, and overall well-being. When the Qi flows smoothly, it helps to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote a state of inner peace.
(depicted above is the microcosmic breath mediation, where breath/energy travels up the back body (inhale) and down the front body (inhale))
Additionally, this practice supports the alignment and stability of the jaw and neck, which can further enhance breathing efficiency and reduce tension in these areas. The combination of improved airflow, energy flow, and physical alignment contributes to a holistic sense of health and tranquility.
For an exercise to expand awareness of your breath. Practice breathing (inhalation) up the back of your body and around to the spot between your eyebrows, and then breathing out (exhalation) down the front of your body to your sits bones. Repeat this and you’ll really get the energy flowing.
Incorporating this practice into your daily breathing routine not only supports physical health but also aids in calming the mind and reducing stress. At Creative Care Chiropractic, we encourage integrating holistic techniques like this to maximize the benefits of your wellness journey. Embrace the power of proper tongue placement and experience the profound impact it can have on your breathing and overall well-being.
Five reasons nasal breathing works in your favor:
Nasal breathing is a simple yet powerful practice that can significantly calm the mind. Here’s how it works:
Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Nasal breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and digestion. This system counteracts the stress response (fight or flight) by slowing the heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and promoting relaxation.
Regulation of CO2 and Oxygen Levels: Proper nasal breathing maintains a healthy balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. This balance is crucial for calming the mind, as an excess of carbon dioxide (common in shallow mouth breathing) can lead to feelings of anxiety and panic.
Nitric Oxide Production: Breathing through the nose increases the production of nitric oxide, which helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Enhanced blood flow to the brain supports cognitive function and induces a state of calm and clarity.
Controlled Breathing Patterns: Nasal breathing naturally encourages slower, deeper breaths compared to mouth breathing. Slow, deep breathing helps to regulate the body’s stress response, reducing the release of stress hormones like cortisol and promoting a sense of calm.
Focus and Mindfulness: Concentrating on nasal breathing can serve as a form of mindfulness practice. This focus helps to divert attention from stressors and negative thoughts, grounding the mind in the present moment and fostering a sense of peace.