Nature’s Grand Design
As newborns, we naturally breathe in and out through our noses, our tongue properly resting on the roof of our mouth, the outside air warming and moistening in our nasal passages, toxins and harmful irritants being filtered by the tiny cilia and nasal concha along the way before being propelled down toward the lungs. This is then repeated in reverse with every exhale of carbon dioxide and water passing through the nasal cavities, the water being trapped in the cilia for reuse to moisten our next breath. Breathing through our noses also slows our breath and allows us to rest, relax and recuperate from stress. This is nature’s design to help keep our body working optimally and to keep us healthy.
Illness is a Catalyst for Dysfunction
It is not until an infant begins teething at about 7-8 months that they may have their first upper respiratory illness. It is at this stage that, after continued attempts at nasal breathing, the infant will switch to mouth breathing. Once the nasal congestion has dissipated is the turning point. The child will either revert to nasal breathing or, due to various other factors (genetic or environmental), the infant might continue mouth breathing. However, it is important to note that a mouth breathing habit does not have to be permanent.
Indigenous Wisdom
Like many historical cultures, the Indigenous Peoples of North America understood this. They believed that breathing through the mouth drained the body of strength and caused disease. Mothers would gently close their babies’ mouths after feeding and carefully ensuring growing children’s mouths were closed when sleeping to establish nasal breathing as a normal and sustainable habit into adulthood.
Healing is Possible
Why is this important to know that this is learned behaviour? Very simply, what can be learned can be unlearned. It is never too late to learn to breathe through our noses again. Remember, it is nature’s very design for us to breathe through our noses in order to have the best chance at staying healthy and limiting disease.
If you struggle with breathlessness and want to know if it’s connected to mouth breathing, reach out and we’ll help you get started.
