Why Nose Breathing Matters: The hidden power behind a calm and healthy body.

Hello Qi friends, it has been a little while since my last blog, i'm excited to share this one with you today.

Breathing is something we do over 20,000 times a day, yet how we breathe can completely change how we feel. In Qigong and Chinese medicine, the breath is more than air, it is energy, nourishment, and the bridge between the body and the mind.

One of the simplest yet most powerful shifts we can make is by inhaling through the nose, not through the mouth.

Why?

This isn't just a wellness trend. There is strong science, experience, and centuries of Qigong wisdom behind it. Let's explore why nasal breathing matters and how it can benefit your emotional well-being, nervous system, and physical health.

The nose is designed for breathing

The nose has powerful filtration and cleansing system. With each nasal breath:

• The tiny hairs and mucous membranes trap dust, allergens, and bacteria

• Air is warmed and humidified before reaching the lungs

• a small but incredible amount of nitric oxide is released, which has antibacterial and antivirus effects.

This means every nose breath comes with built in protection and nourishment.

Nasal breathing allows the breath to go deeper

One big question I am asked in my classes is: Does nose breathing really let the breath go deeper?

The answer is yes, and here's why:

When you breath the nose, the inhale slows down naturally. This gentle pace invites the diaphragm to move fully, drawing air into the lower lobes of the lungs, where the richest oxygen exchange occurs.

When you inhale through the mouth, the inhale is quicker and shallower. The shoulders lift, the upper chest tightens, and the diaphragm can't do it's job as well.

So although the air doesn't physically travel farther, nasal breathing supports the mechanics that create a deeper, healthier breath.

This is the foundation of Qigong- Grounding, softening, and nourishing the body through slow intentional breathing and movement.

How nasal breathing supports the nervous system

• Calms tension

• Reduces stress hormones

• Increases clarity and focus

• Supports emotional balance

• Help regulate anxiety and overwhelm

This is why so many of students feel more grounded and centered after just a few minutes of Qigong breathing.

Simple at home practices

1. The 4-6 Nervous system reset

Inhale gently through the nose to a count of 4 and exhale through the nose for a count of 6. Repeat 8-10 breaths. If you find this difficult start with an inhale of a 3 count and an exhale of 5.

The lengthened exhale helps signal safety to the body.

2.Diaphragmatic belly breathing

Place your hands on your lower belly, just under your belly button. Breath in gently through your nose, allowing the belly to rise and expand. exhale gently, feeling the belly move back towards the spine. Repeat 8-10 breaths

This strengthens the diaphragm and releases tension in the ribs and abdomen. This also allows for the breath to reach deeper into the lungs and gives the organs a gentle massage from the movement of diaphragm.

3. Soft nasal breaths before sleep

   Take 10 slow nasal breaths with your eyes closed, inhaling and exhaling through the nose. Imagine the mind softening and the muscles loosening on each exhale.

   This is wonderful before bed or anytime you want to relax.

4. Exhale stagnation and frustration

Take a deep, slow and steady inhale through your nose and let the breath out with a sigh or ha sounds. repeat this a few breaths and then move into one of the three breath practices above.

This type of exhale helps to release tension and frustrations, allowing you to make room for more positive energy to come into your body.

The breath is the foundation

In Qigong, we say the breath is the first medicine.

When we return to the simplicity of breathing through the nose, we return to balance. We reduce tension, calm the nervous system, support emotional healing, and bring more life force into the body.

This one gentle shift in how we breath can change everything and bring us vitality and longevity.

Join me for an in person class and experience all the wonderful benefits Qigong can bring into your life. Classes are held in Ridgefield WA, and surrounding areas and can be found in the drop down menu.

Take a nice steady breath and take that feeling with you into the rest of your day!

With love & QI,

Joellene