Alternate nostril breathing is simple to do and has many benefits that we can all use in our daily lives. Yoga breath control techniques include alternate nostril breathing. It is referred to as Nadi Shodhana pranayama in Sanskrit. The phrase "subtle energy clearing breathing technique" translates. 

You can practice this kind of breathwork as a part of your yoga or meditation routine. In addition, you can practice alternate nostril breathing on its own to calm and rest your mind.

The benefits of nostril breathing include feeling balanced and making you ready for energetic action or deep slumber.

What Benefits Do Nose Breathing Over Mouth Breathing Offer?

Most likely, you breathe without thinking about it at all. Your body does it on its own, with little to no conscious effort on your part.

However, it's crucial to pay attention to your breathing. In general, breathing through your nose is better than your mouth. This is because nose breathing is more innate and facilitates efficient air utilization by your body.

However, 30 to 50 percent of adults are said to breathe through their mouth, especially in the morning. Health problems, including dry mouth and foul breath, could result from this.

What Are the Differences Between Mouth and Nose Breathing?

1. Nose breathing

You can only breathe properly, effectively, and safely through your nose. It can do so because of its ability to:

2. Remove all foreign materials

Dust, allergies, and pollen are filtered out by nasal hairs, which helps stop them from getting into your lungs.

3. Inhaled air is made humid

The air you breathe in is warmed and moistened by your nose. This raises the temperature of the air you breathe in, allowing your lungs to function more efficiently.

4. Synthesize nitric oxide

Nitric oxide is released by your nose during nasal breathing (NO). As a vasodilator, NO aids in enlarging blood vessels. This can enhance your body's ability to circulate oxygen.

5. Mouth Breathing

You can eat, drink, and speak thanks to your mouth. Of course, you can breathe through your mouth as well, but it lacks many of the special qualities that your nose has for this function.

Mouth breathing has the drawback of causing your mouth to lose moisture, which can result in a dry mouth. Additionally, it may raise your risk of breathing in unfiltered air, allergic reactions to allergens, asthma, bad breath, dental decay, gum inflammation (gingivitis), snoring, sleep apnea, and abnormalities of the teeth or jaw.

What are the benefits of alternate nostril breathing?

The basis of alternate-nostril breathing is focused attention on managing your breath. Benefits of nostril breathing include relaxation of mind and body.

1. Lower stress and improve cardiovascular function.

There are several benefits of alternate nostril breathing, one of which is that it may reduce tension. In a 2018 study, it was found that after three months of consistent practice, men who used alternate nostril breathing for 30 minutes each day had decreased reported stress levels.

A 2020 study examined the cardiovascular advantages of breathing via the other nostril in 100 healthy medical students. At the end of the trial, the individuals' blood pressure and pulse biomarkers had improved after four weeks of practice.

These studies imply that alternate nostril breathing may help lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as stress.

2. Could enhance respiratory endurance and lung function.

Yoga breathing techniques may enhance lung capacity and breathing endurance. A tiny 2017 study that looked at how pranayama practice affected elite swimmers' lung functioning discovered that it improved respiratory endurance.

Athletic performance may also be enhanced by improved respiratory endurance.

3. Bringing down your heart rate can help to support cardiovascular health.

In addition, a 2016 analysis of studies found a link between integrated yoga practices, which incorporate both posture and breathing techniques, and balanced autonomic function.

Alternate nostril breathing might also be a practical technique to temporarily lower your heart rate.

4. Encourages well-being.

Breathing through each nostril alternately may improve general health and well-being. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to improve mental health by lowering stress and anxiety.

5. It helps to lower blood pressure.

Alternate nostril breathing and deep breathing reduce blood pressure and calm the heartbeat.

Nose Breathing Exercises To Try

Here are two different breathing techniques that you can use.

1. Alternate nostril breathing 

Alternate nostril breathing or nadishodhana is a common breathing technique used in yoga. In this method, you breathe in through one nostril and out the other while using your finger to cover the nose on the other side.

There are many benefits of nostril breathing. The activity involves concentration, which makes it excellent for boosting mindfulness. It may also improve lung function and lessen stress. Try inhaling through your alternate nostrils for five minutes.

2. Belly Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing or abdominal breathing are other names for belly breathing. It entails inhaling slowly and deeply via your nose.

How to do it:

• As you sit, raise your shoulders and posture. Get relaxed.

• Keep your mouth shut. Put one of your hands on your chest and the other on your tummy.

• Breathe slowly through your nose, allowing the air to ascend into your belly. Your chest ought to remain motionless.

• Lips pursed, take a slow, deep breath out.

• Repeat 5 to 10 times.