Is It Better To Exhale Out The Mouth Or Nose When Meditating?

The Breathwork Behind Meditation: Mouth vs. Nose

Ah, meditation – that divine art of chucking the day’s worries into the abyss and tuning into the inner silence. It’s no secret that proper breathing is the cornerstone of a fulfilling meditation practice. However, a question often arises like a curious dolphin out of calm waters: When meditating, is it better to exhale through the mouth or the nose?

Well, sit back, take a deep breath (through whichever passage feels right for now), and let’s navigate through the mist of uncertainty around this query.

The Nose Knows: The Science and Tradition

In the vast expanse of ancient wisdom and contemporary practices, exhaling through the nose takes the crown for various reasons – both scientific and traditional. Here’s the lowdown:

1. Filter, Humidifier, and Thermostat, Oh My!: Our noses are marvels of biological engineering. They filter out dust and other unwelcome particles, add moisture to the air we breathe, and adjust the temperature of the air to suit the body’s needs. Exhaling through the nose, therefore, helps maintain the body’s balance and promotes optimal respiratory health.

2. Nitric Oxide – The Unsung Hero: Nestled within our nasal passages is the ability to produce nitric oxide – a mighty molecule with a penchant for boosting our immune system, regulating blood pressure, and enhancing overall brain health. Mouth breathing, I’m afraid, just doesn’t offer these blockbuster benefits.

3. Keeping It Zen: From a meditative standpoint, breathing through the nose is akin to adding a serene soundtrack to your inner journey. It naturally slows down the breath, which in turn, invites calmness and can help in achieving a deeper state of meditation.

The Case for Mouth Breathing: A Breather

Before we crown nasal exhalation as the reigning champ, it’s only fair to give mouth breathing its moment in the sun.

In certain meditative practices, particularly those involving intense physical activity or specific pranayama (breath control) exercises, exhaling through the mouth can be encouraged. Here’s why:

• Heat Release: In practices like Kundalini Yoga, where generating internal heat is part of the process, exhaling through the mouth helps in releasing excess heat more efficiently than the nose.
• Emotional Release: Certain therapeutic practices use mouth breathing as a tool for emotional release. The idea is that opening the mouth to exhale can facilitate the letting go of pent-up emotions or stress.

So, What’s the Verdict?

In the grand tapestry of meditation practices, both methods of exhalation have their place and purpose. The consensus, however, leans towards nasal breathing for the majority of meditative journeys. Its benefits for physical and mental health, combined with its alignment with ancient traditions, make it a preferred choice.

That said, it’s essential to listen to your body and the requirements of your chosen meditative practice. If a specific technique calls for mouth exhaling, or if you find yourself congested and unable to breathe through your nose, adapting is perfectly acceptable.

Remember, the core of meditation is about finding inner peace and balance. Whether that involves breathing through your nose or letting out a gentle exhale through the mouth, the best path is the one that feels right for you. Happy breathing!