Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

Trouble breathing through nose?

clearviewclearview
edited August 2010 in Buddhism Basics
I have a deviated septum so most of the time I am only able to breath through one nostril. I find it to be strenuous while meditating because I feel like I'm forcing each inhale since I don't have good breathing ability. Should I just breath through my mouth instead? Does it matter?

Comments

  • NiosNios Veteran
    edited July 2010
    There is no requirement that says you can only meditate by breathing through your nose. So, if you have difficulties, or a cold, then breath through your mouth. :)

    Nios.
  • patbbpatbb Veteran
    edited July 2010
    clearview wrote: »
    I am only able to breath through one nostril.
    everyone breath through only one nostril.
  • DeshyDeshy Veteran
    edited July 2010
    I wouldn't recommend breathing through the mouth. In a long sitting it can be very uncomfortable, distracting and it tends to dry up your throat. If you have trouble with the nose, better take some medicine for that
  • lightwithinlightwithin Veteran
    edited July 2010
    Nios wrote: »
    There is no requirement that says you can only meditate by breathing through your nose. So, if you have difficulties, or a cold, then breath through your mouth.

    This is what I have found from my reading about meditation as well. I can see how it could dry up the mouth in time, but if you make sure you make it "wet" every now and then by closing it and moving your tongue around, it should be OK.

    @Deshy: the OP is saying he's got a deviated septum and this can't be corrected with medication, only surgery.
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    edited July 2010
    Pema Chodron teaches in her section of posture on her CDs to open the mouth slightly allowing air to flow through either mouth or nose. It also loosens the face and allows that to relax which also relaxes the shoulders a little.

    I tried it and it seemed nice to me as well and I have been meditating with mouth slightly open since hearing her CDs on meditation.

    If you put your tongue in that spot on the roof of your mouth it will help prevent the mouth from drying.
  • VictoriousVictorious Grim Veteran
    edited July 2010
    clearview wrote: »
    I have a deviated septum so most of the time I am only able to breath through one nostril. I find it to be strenuous while meditating because I feel like I'm forcing each inhale since I don't have good breathing ability. Should I just breath through my mouth instead? Does it matter?


    If the problem is the focus on the breath at the nose then you could shift it to the rising and falling of your stomach.


    Good luck
    /Victor
  • ShutokuShutoku Veteran
    edited July 2010
    Jeffrey wrote: »
    Pema Chodron teaches in her section of posture on her CDs to open the mouth slightly allowing air to flow through either mouth or nose. It also loosens the face and allows that to relax which also relaxes the shoulders a little.

    I tried it and it seemed nice to me as well and I have been meditating with mouth slightly open since hearing her CDs on meditation.

    If you put your tongue in that spot on the roof of your mouth it will help prevent the mouth from drying.
    This ^^^ is very good.
    I have had chronic sinus issues most of my life, and following Dogen's Fukanzazenji it certainly recommends closed mouth.
    However I find that when my sinuses are plugged, what Jeffery wrote here helps, some air in the nose some in the mouth, and the tongue up helps keep the throat from drying out.
    I mostly just chant Nembutsu so it doesn't matter too much for me, but if I choose to do Shikantaza this way of breathing can be helpful.
  • WhoknowsWhoknows Australia Veteran
    edited August 2010
    I've never nose breathed in meditation, or sleep. It just does not happen. It still works (ie meditation and sleep) OK for me, maybe occasional dry throat but nothing major. Then again I've never had much success in standard meditation postures either, I've always meditated in a chair or on the couch with a cushion behind my back for support.

    Cheers.
Sign In or Register to comment.