Everyone knows that regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for staying healthy. However, life expectancy in Europe and North America is not as high as it could be. The highest life expectancy is found in Asia – especially in Japan. Why? One key reason: Asians meditate regularly and breathe correctly.
Why do we breathe incorrectly?
Many people mistakenly believe that the body automatically knows how much air it needs. But here lies the problem: hyperventilation – taking in more air than necessary. This can lead to health limitations and even shorten athletic careers. Breathing expert Patrick McKeown explains how to overcome this in his book “The Oxygen Advantage.”
Proper breathing increases the level of carbon dioxide in the body, improves oxygen delivery to muscles and organs, and thus enhances physical performance.
How can you improve your breathing? Two simple rules:
- Practice breath-hold exercises. We recommend the Wim Hof Method and the “1 4 2” breathing technique.
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth. Your nose is for breathing – your mouth is for eating.
Why is breath-holding so effective?
By holding your breath, the oxygen level in your blood decreases while carbon dioxide accumulates. This causes your cells to be better supplied with oxygen – a clear benefit for health and athletic performance.
When babies are born, they breathe through their nose – a clear sign that nasal breathing is natural. Our ancestors used mouth breathing only in life-threatening situations. Anatomically, it’s also clear: the nose is designed for breathing. The windpipe leads directly from the back of the nasal cavity to the lungs.
You can implement these two principles immediately. You’ll soon notice positive changes. Because we care deeply about the topic of breathing, we will regularly share valuable insights. Follow us – for better health, fitness, and quality of life!
