How Excessive Mouth Breathing creates the Claw Effect

The Claw: Excessive mouth breathing exercises can trigger a stress response in the nervous system. This leads to physiological changes that prioritize survival functions over optimal performance. Here’s how mouth breathing can induce a stress response and its effects on blood circulation:

1. Sympathetic Nervous System Activation: Mouth breathing activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), also known as the “fight or flight” response. This response is designed to prepare the body for perceived threats by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate. While this response is essential in emergency situations, chronic activation can lead to stress-related health issues.
2. Blood Redistribution: When the SNS is activated, blood is redirected from non-essential areas, such as the extremities, to vital organs like the heart, lungs, and brain. This redistribution of blood flow is part of the body’s survival mechanism to ensure that essential organs receive an adequate oxygen supply during times of stress or danger.
3. The “Claw Effect”: Excessive mouth breathing can exacerbate the “claw effect.” This is a phenomenon where blood vessels in the extremities constrict due to sympathetic activation. When blood is diverted away from the hands and feet, these areas may experience reduced circulation, leading to sensations of numbness, tingling, or coldness.
4. Impaired Peripheral Circulation: Prolonged mouth breathing can contribute to impaired peripheral circulation. This affects the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues in the hands and feet. This can result in decreased sensation, decreased motor function, and delayed recovery following exercise or physical activity.
5. Chronic Stress: Chronic mouth breathing and sympathetic activation can perpetuate a cycle of chronic stress. This leads to systemic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and cardiovascular problems. Over time, this can contribute to the development of conditions such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

In Summary

To mitigate the negative effects of excessive mouth breathing, it’s essential to promote nasal breathing and diaphragmatic breathing techniques. Nasal breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This activation promotes relaxation and counters the effects of stress on the body. By incorporating nasal breathing into daily life and physical activities, individuals can support optimal circulation, reduce stress, and improve overall health and well-being.

Investigate further about the harmful affects of Mouth Breathing.