A new neuroscience study conducted in the USA has discovered a ‘nose-brain’ neural circuit that shows that nose breathing calms anxiety. In mouse experiments, it was determined that the olfactory neurons in the nasal cavity detect not only odors but also the incoming air flow. According to the data obtained, the frequency of air drawn through the nose sends direct signals to the amygdala region, the emotion and stress center of the brain, via the olfactory bulb.
‘FAST BREATHING INCREASES ANXIETY, SLOW BREATHING RELIEVES’
The study pointed out that the nerve pathway in question works bidirectionally, and it was stated that the frequency and speed of breathing through the nose directly determines the level of anxiety. It has been observed that fast and superficial breathing through the nose triggers anxiety-like behaviors, while slow and deep breathing provides calming by balancing nerve conduction.
Emphasizing that the findings are still based on animal models and need to be supported by human tests, experts stated that breathing half as slowly through the nose instead of the mouth can offer a natural and effective treatment for controlling anxiety.
