|
Does it really matter if we're breathing through the nose or mouth? A short one today because one of my wonderful clients asked me this question last week, and I think you could all benefit from the answer. The answer is: yes, it matters. A LOT. And not only when doing yoga. If we've already practiced yoga together, you have probably heard me encourage you to breathe through your nose. Why? Because your nose is a wonderful machine.See, when the air comes in through your nostril, your nose moistens it, warms it and filters it.
It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, our "rest and digest" system. In simpler words: it calms us down. Last but not least, mouth-breathing dries the mouth, causing bad breath and other oral health issues. Essentially, breathing through the nose as much as possible is an easy way to be in better health.Of course, when you're ill or truly out of breath, it's better to breathe through your nose than not at all. But the mouth should be a back-up plan. And if you start paying attention to your breathing habits, you'll notice that you probably do it a little too often for your own good. (No shade, we all do it.) So the next time you notice yourself mouth-breathing, gently guide your breath back home: through your nose. Om, peace 🧡 Clem |
I'm a bilingual yoga teacher who helps people who sit a lot gain mobility, move without pain and reduce their stress.
There's a word that's often used to talk about yoga, and it annoys me for two reasons: because it's laden with spiritual-charlatan connotations because unfortunately, there's no better word to describe yoga That word is holistic. What does it actually mean? It means we take the whole person into account. That yoga has an impact on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health... nothing less. And I'm talking about this today because I know you don't have much time. That you're looking...
I need to tell you something that one of my clients shared with me last week. She told me she was always afraid to come into a low lunge, because teachers have told her many times that she should never let her front knee go past her toes in a lunge, or she might hurt herself. The dangerous lunge! It's an unfortunately common cue, and it's also complete nonsense. Your knee goes past your toes every single time you climb stairs, get up from a chair, or squat down. It's a completely natural...
It's not always easy to find your way when you're starting out with yoga and you're faced with the multitude of styles that exist. It puts off more than a few people, which is completely normal, but it's also such a shame 🐘 That's why I've decided to create an episode on my French podcast that breaks down each of the main styles in a simple and clear way, so you know which style speaks to you, and which ones you'd rather avoid. And I thought you'd appreciate a little summary in English :)...