Nasal vs. Mouth Breathing: Does It Matter?

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss what scientific research suggests about nasal vs. mouth breathing.

In addition to nasal vs. mouth breathing as a general topic, Jenni and Travis also take a closer look at the Buteyko Breathing Method, as well as and 2 popular books on breathing: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor (2020) and The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown (2015).

This episode features a special guest interview at the end specifically about the book Breath by James Nestor. Jenni and Travis are joined by the amazing science communicator Dr. Rachel David to discuss this book. Rachel has a PhD in immunology and a master’s degree in science communication, and she’s also a yoga teacher.

Points of discussion include:

• What claims are commonly made about nasal vs. mouth breathing?
• Outlining the difference between *breathing practices* (acute) vs. day-to-day breathing (chronic)
• What type of research would need to be done in order to investigate a possible causal link between mouth breathing and negative health effects?
• What does research suggest about the health effects of nasal breathing techniques or practices (i.e. pranayama)?
• Day-to-day breathing is autonomic (unconscious)
• What percentage of people breathe 100% nasally?
• What are the benefits of nasal breathing?
• When our mouth is open, do we still breathe through our nose?
• Does an open mouth indicate that someone is a “mouth breather”?
• What does the research on the effects of mouth breathing suggest?
• A closer look at the Buteyko Breathing Method and 2 books: The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown (2015) and Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor (2020)
• How popular is the book Breath by James Nestor in the yoga world?
• Did any scientific organizations endorse the book Breath?
• Is the basic premise of the book Breath scientifically-based?
• …And much more!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Rachel David’s website: https://geeky.yoga (**sign up for her email list in the footer of her website!)

Dr. Rachel David’s article about the book Breath by James Nestor

Jenni’s email newsletter

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni

Strength for Yoga email newsletter

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.

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