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We exist in a world that relentlessly pushes us forward. It is a culture where ‘more’ has become the mantra. More productivity, more achievement, more hustle…
Yet, in this constant state of striving, we’ve overlooked a fundamental aspect of our wellbeing – our breath. It’s so intrinsic to life that we rarely give it a second thought.
But what happens if the very way we’ve been breathing is fundamentally flawed? Yes, it’s a strange paradox but what if this unconscious habit is quietly undermining our health? What if it’s potentially setting the stage for a host of chronic issues!
The modern human is an anomaly in the animal kingdom. We are the only species to suffer from a widespread epidemic of dental crowding and misalignment.
It all started when our ancestors stopped eating tough jaw-exercising raw unprocessed foods and switched to softer, cooked foods. Today, we eat so much processed and soft food that our jaws get minimal chewing resistance.
As a result, it doesn’t get the mechanical stimulation it needs to grow to its full, ancestral size. This lack of jaw growth creates a physically constricted airway and prevents the tongue from resting in its proper position. And that in turn has become a deeper, structural issue within our airways.
For example, our ancestors had more robust jaws and spacious sinuses so they rarely snored. They breathed differently. They breathed better. They had the physical structure to easily maintain nasal breathing.
Conversely, our modern, constricted airway often forces us to make a simple but unconscious choice to breathe through our mouth instead of our nose. And this is where the modern-day health crisis truly begins!
For many people, mouth breathing has become the default. We have abandoned the body’s primary breathing apparatus due to allergies, congestion, or a simple habit. Unfortunately, this seemingly innocuous shift has profound consequences.
Ancient cultures understood this intuitively.
The Taoists referred to breath inhaled through the mouth as ‘Ni Ch’i’ or “adverse breath.” They warned of its harmful effects. This was an astute observation, not superstition.
When we breathe through our mouths, we bypass a sophisticated natural filtration and air conditioning system. Because of this, the air that enters our lungs is unfiltered, unhumidified, and unpressurised.
This constant flow of dry, unfiltered air not only stresses the lungs but also collapses the soft tissues in the throat. This leads to a cascade of problems that extend far beyond simple snoring.
Specifically, this harmful process is a habit that disrupts our sleep and deforms our facial structure over time. This structural change, in turn, contributes to the very airway obstructions that perpetuate the entire cycle of chronic mouth breathing.
The nose is a marvel of biological engineering. It is an active, vital organ that prepares the air we breathe for optimal absorption.
Nasal breathing filters out impurities. It warms the air to body temperature and adds moisture. This protects the delicate tissues of the lungs.
As you can see, your nose produces perfect air quality for your body. Your mouth doesn’t. Reclaiming natural breathing function is also easy.
Studies like the Stanford experiment provide a clear and powerful lesson here. Namely, our bodies are incredibly responsive to the way we breathe.
Indeed, although the negative effects of mouth breathing appear rapidly, the benefits of nasal breathing return just as fast.
It’s also not rocket science, or a complex new technique to master. Rather, it’s simply a return to our natural, intended state of breathing. All it takes is a simple, conscious choice.
However, making that conscious choice can be a struggle for many. Years of structural restriction, often due to poor posture, a sunken chest, or a stiff mid-back, can make natural, comfortable nasal breathing feel difficult, even impossible.
Your body is an interconnected system. Your spine houses the nervous system which regulates every function, including respiration.
Proper spinal alignment can improve posture. This opens the chest and diaphragm, making nasal breathing easier and more natural.
At Ground Chiropractic in Portsmouth, we focus on restoring this fundamental connection. We help your body function as it was designed to.
Take the first step towards better breathing and overall wellness. Contact us to book your initial consultation today.
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