How to unblock your nose
Mouth breathing generates chaotic, upper chest breathing that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. On the other hand, nasal breathing promotes regular, diaphragmatic breathing. Thus generating calmness. Watch a healthy baby breathe for an example of good breathing.
If you have difficulty breathing in and out through your nose because you find it blocked, then try this exercise, remember:
- Your nose gets blocked as a result of breathing too much. Blood vessels become inflamed and larger amounts of mucus are secreted, making breathing through your nose more difficult. A vicious circle ensues because, as your nose becomes blocked, you switch to mouth breathing. This involves an even greater loss of CO2, resulting in even more congestion.
- The following exercise is very effective for decongesting your nose in just a few minutes.
- If your CP is less than 10 seconds, then refrain from holding your breath for too long.
- Sit up straight.
2. Take a small breath in through your nose if possible, and a small breath out. If your nose is quite blocked, take a tiny breath in through the corner of your mouth.
3. Pinch your nose with your fingers and hold your breath. Keep your mouth closed.
4. Gently nod your head or sway your body until you feel that you cannot hold your breath any longer. Hold your nose until you feel a strong desire to breathe.
5. When you need to inhale, let go of your nose and breathe in and out with your mouth closed.
6. Calm your breathing as soon as possible.
If your nose does not become totally unblocked, wait about 30 seconds until your breathing has recovered before performing this exercise again. You will need to do this exercise several times before your nose is completely unblocked. Doing this exercise many times will unblock your nose. You might also feel warm and more alert given the dilatation of your blood vessels.
You may think that you cannot clear your nose when you have a heavy cold, but you can. If you do have a head cold, close your mouth and reduce your breathing throughout the day. Your nostrils are smaller and thus create more resistance than breathing through your mouth. As a result, you may feel that you are not getting enough air. This sensation will last for a short time. In a few days, your respiratory centre will become accustomed to the more correct volume that you are breathing.
