Our noses are meant for breathing. We evolved this way. Mouth breathing is a backup, only if the nose stops working, or if we’re thrown into a dangerous situation so as to take in greater volumes of air in preparation for intense physical activity.
When we mouth breathe, we breathe faster and harder, and up in the chest. In this way, mouth breathing is synonymous with emergency. It activates the fight-or-flight response - the defensive, uptight, ‘something’s-not-quite-right’ state.
Nasal breathing on the other hand, is parasympathetic inducing, the state that facilitates the good feels. Nasal breathing also helps to package the air just right for consumption - it creates greater resistance for slower breathing, it filters bacteria and germs, it heats air to the perfect temperature, and allows for the intake of nitric oxide, a crucial gas produced in the nasal cavity that facilitates optimal health.
Nasal breathing is absolutely essential to good health! Mouth taping helps make nasal breathing an unconscious habit.
*See video above for demonstration