Watch your mouth

Breathing exclusively through the mouth has all sorts of consequences for our health. This is not surprising, since the mouth is supposed to be a backup option for when we cannot breathe through the nose, it was never meant as a primary breathing channel. There are many functions the nose performs that the mouth never could. If we breathe through the mouth (because of a habit or chronic congestion in the nose), we take in cold, dry air ridden with pathogens, forgo the benefits of nitric oxide and the rhythm of nasal cycles. On top of that, we end up changing the entire structure of our nasal cavity. (Read more about main nose functions >)

So this week let’s take time to observe if we breathe primarily through our noses or mouths and why.

HOW TO: Notice if you chronically breathe though your mouth during one or more parts of your day: during exercise or yoga practice, during other daily activities, or at night. Notice if your mouth is open during the day and where your tongue usually rests. Then notice whether or not there is a reason for mouth breathing – is your nose congested, or is it just a habit?

Here are some things you can do if you find yourself breathing though your mouth often >