Benefits of Nasal Breathing
- Warms, moistens and filters the air
- Regulates (slows) airflow because of nose’s intricate structures
- Traps large particles with the nose hairs and small particles via mucous membranes
- Provides a sense of smell
- Retains some moisture from exhaled air, preventing nasal dryness
- Facilitates inhalation of nitric oxide – a vasodilator and bronchodilator that increases oxygen transport throughout body
- Allows correct position of tongue
- Facilitates correct action of diaphragm
- Promotes activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms and relaxes the body, slows breathing and heart, promotes digestion
- Prevents cold, flu, allergic reaction, hay fever, irritable coughing
- Reduces likelihood of snoring and apnoea
