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Nasal airflow and brain activity: is there a link?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2016

A Price  and
R Eccles
A Price*
Affiliation:
Common Cold Centre, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Wales, UK
R Eccles
Affiliation:
Common Cold Centre, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Wales, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Ms Annie Price, Common Cold Centre, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, Wales, UK Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4093 E-mail: pricea30@cardiff.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background:

Over the past few decades, evidence has emerged suggesting that nasal airflow asymmetry and brain asymmetry are linked. The nose exhibits asymmetrical airflow, with the dominant airflow alternating from one nasal passage to the other over a period of hours. Some authors have suggested a correlation between cerebral hemisphere dominance and nostril dominance. Others have proposed an association between rhythmic fluctuations in nasal airflow and corresponding fluctuations in cerebral hemisphere activity. Based on ancient yoga breathing techniques, newer evidence suggests that altering nasal airflow can influence brain activity, with reports of improved cognitive function caused by unilateral forced nostril breathing. It seems that a nasal airflow stimulus may have an activating effect on the brain, as it has also been shown to trigger seizure activity in epileptic patients.

Objectives:

This article explores these theories in detail, reviews the evidence, and presents new models linking nasal airflow and brain activity.

Keywords

NoseAirway ResistanceUltradian CyclesCerebrumFunctional Laterality
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 130 , Issue 9 , September 2016 , pp. 794 - 799
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2016 

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