My tongue is there now!

In the quest for better health, mental clarity, and stress reduction, people are increasingly turning to simple yet effective breathing techniques. One of these involves an easy adjustment: touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth while breathing. Though it may seem small, this technique can have a significant impact on both physical and mental well-being.

Breathing is typically something we do without much thought. However, certain techniques can transform it into a tool for managing anxiety, enhancing focus, and even improving sleep. Placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth while breathing is one such technique that has roots in ancient practices like yoga and qigong.

In Eastern traditions, this tongue position is referred to as creating a “microcosmic orbit.” It involves connecting the governing and conception vessels—energy channels that run along the spine and front of the body. While the idea of energy channels is more spiritual in nature, modern science can still explain why this positioning affects the body so profoundly.

Nasal Breathing Activation: Placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth encourages nasal breathing. Nasal breathing is inherently more beneficial than mouth breathing because it filters, humidifies, and warms the air, making it easier on your lungs. It also engages the diaphragm more effectively, allowing for deeper and more controlled breaths. This type of breathing supports optimal oxygen exchange, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.