Some people do have narrow nasal passages which makes breathing practices (pranayama), diaphragm strengthening exercises (Buteyko method) and meditation difficult and frustrating. There may be a structural problem impeding the process of breathing or one of congestion due to mucus or inflammation of the sinuses. An investigative consultation with a medical practitioner is required to determine if there is a structural abnormality and I can not offer any suggestions for improving this. I do however encourage persisting with breathing exercises. The benefits of improving breathing patterns will far outweigh the frustration you are currently experiencing.
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND BREATHING PATTERNS
The nervous system is a complicated and intricate system which influences many other bodily systems and organs, especially the respiratory system. Anxiety and nervousness can cause individuals to shallow breath which further affects the nervous system in a vicious cycle. Obviously if you are shallow breathing there is not an effective transfer of oxygen to the muscles to initiate energy production and this will also cause a deficiency in vigour causing long term fatigue.
BREATHING EXERCISES
Indian Ayurvedic Medicine names the breath as prana and they recognize the intricate connection between the breath and life force (vitality). Retraining the way the body is habitually breathing has very positive benefits to the health of not only the nervous system but the whole body, including the brain.
BREATHING PRACTICES
You may like to look further into breathing practices such as Buteyko, Pranayama, meditation, breathe awareness, breath control, Qi Gong or Tai Chi or Wim Hof breathing exercises.
These may be beneficial to further increase your knowledge and awareness of the nervous and respiratory systems and the direct relationship between them. In fact many physical practitioners would see this irritation or challenge as a gift to help improve your attention and develop your strengths. By working with our weaknesses we progress ourselves emotionally, physically, spiritually and psychologically.
REMEMBER TO BREATHE
We breathe in and out about 22,000 times a day. We are powered by breathing. Our lungs fuel us with oxygen, our body’s life-sustaining gas. Our lungs breathe in air, then remove the oxygen and pass it through our bloodstream, where it’s carried off to the tissues and organs that allow us to walk, talk, and move. Make each breath count!
