How nostril breathing can improve health & performance

Increasing evidence is now beginning to point towards the benefits of nostril breathing for improved performance, health and emotional well being. Girls Run The World investigate…

Buddhist and Hindu culture has focused on the importance of breath work to benefit both the mind and health. But it is only in recent years, with the popularity of the Wim Hof method in particular, that attention in the west has turned towards how we breathe and the impact on every aspect of our health and performance in running. Here are five benefits of nostril breathing…

Boosts mental well being

According to studies by Dr John Douillard, author Mind, Body and Sport, nostril breathing helps to boost the parasympathetic nervous system by 50% compared to breathing through the mouth. This helps to decrease respiration and heart rate and increases digestion.

It encourages more efficient removal of carbon dioxide

The lower part of the lungs are gravity fed, and so the more deeply we breathe, the more efficient we are at removing carbon dioxide. And this means, we can increase our oxygen capacity both for our health and performance.

Promotes better posture

Improving our lung capacity with deep nostril breathing means that we are using our rib cage more effectively. In turn, this means we are recruiting more muscles in this area, helping to achieve optimal flexibility and elasticity of the spine and rib cage.

Improves endurance and recovery

Numerous studies, including this, by St Joseph’s College New York has shown that using nostril breathing, can improve recovery times and promotes greater endurance.

Increases your body’s hydration system

According to a study by Sophie Svensson et al breathing through the mouth causes a loss of 40% more water from the body than nostril breathing. And staying hydrated as a runner is key.

Check out Girls Run The World’s Learn to Breath for Improved Health and Performance, £19.99 or free withtheir digital membership. Try their 14 day free trial.


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