Can it improve our health significantly too?
Myofunctional therapy (MFT) is a core component of “Mewing”, the element that restores proper orofacial muscle function and breathing. MFT focuses on retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, and cheeks to improve orofacial function. It is often used to treat conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and tongue-tie.
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to neutralize them. ROS are harmful molecules that can damage cells and DNA. Chronic oxidative stress is linked to a number of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Myofunctional therapy aims to restore nasal breathing by utilising correct tongue posture, chewing and swallowing. By using our tongue properly and holding it against the roof of the mouth as much as possible we can stimulate the roof of the mouth and top jaw to grow broader. Given that the mouth roof is also the floor of the nasal cavity, growth in this area significantly improves our ability to exclusively nasal breath. Nasal breathing is the body’s best mechanism for detoxification and our best method of inhaling our most vital life force, oxygen. Just one of the many ways, this benefits our healthy and longevity is by protecting against experiencing oxidative stress throughout the body and brain.
Nasal breathing reduces oxidative stress in several ways:
Increased nitric oxide production: Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule that helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. NO is also a potent antioxidant, which means that it can neutralize harmful free radicals. Nasal breathing increases the production of NO in the nasal passages, which can help to reduce oxidative stress throughout the body.
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Nitric oxide (NO) molecule
Reduced inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to oxidative stress. Nasal breathing helps to reduce inflammation by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory molecules in the nasal passages.
Improved lung function: When we breathe through our nose, the air is filtered and warmed, which helps to protect the lungs from damage. Nasal breathing also helps to increase the amount of oxygen that is taken up by the lungs, which can improve overall lung function.
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Nasal breathing
In addition to these specific mechanisms, nasal breathing may also help to reduce oxidative stress by promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones. Stress can contribute to oxidative stress, so reducing stress levels can be an important part of an overall strategy to reduce oxidative stress.
Here are some tips for improving nasal breathing:
1. Make sure that your nose is clear of congestion. You can do this by using a saline nasal spray or by blowing your nose gently.
2. Keep your tongue relaxed and resting on the floor of your mouth. This will help to open up your nasal passages.
3. Breathe through your nose throughout the day, even when you are exercising. If you find it difficult to breathe through your nose, try mouth taping or using a nasal dilator.
Nasal breathing is a simple and effective way to reduce oxidative stress and improve your overall health.
