Olfaction
Connection between nasal breathing on brain activity
« As we breathe a multitude of information is sent to the brain. This information enters the nostrils and interacts with receptors on the nasal cavities. The idea that breathing has an impact on our emotions is far from new. An agreeable odour offers a pleasing sensation. On the contrary an offensive odour often provokes negative emotions. Nasal breathing helps us to interpret situations and emotions whilst impacting our behaviour.
To try to keep things clear; the nose contains a gas (Nitric Oxide) which during inhalation is released by the sinus into the nasal cavities.
This gas has many beneficial effects such as increasing our capacity to breathe, allowing for a better ingress of oxygen (and Pranaenergy called in Yoga; Prana) and nutrients, promotes better functioning and oxygen ventilation of the lungs etc.
At the beginning of the previous century the work of a renowned Russian scientist Doctor Buteyko already highlighted the many positive effects of the activation of this gas through proper nasal inhalation.
Yet, in the last decades a greater interest arose especially amongst scientists and neurologists about the whole importance of nasal breathing and its impact on memory.
The medical field has conducted numerous clinical studies -and still are- to better comprehend the connection between breathing and memory functions and how this can help patients suffering memory loss such as in Alzheimer conditions.
What scientists are starting to understand what Yogis intuitively knew; a serious approach to breathing through Pranayama (breathing control) has tremendous benefits.
Proper breathing maintains health, sustains learning and improves memory.
Yogis insist on calm, slow and fluid breathing for better results. »