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Review
. 2023 Jan;475(1):23-35.
doi: 10.1007/s00424-022-02722-7. Epub 2022 Jun 30.

Respiratory influence on brain dynamics: the preponderant role of the nasal pathway and deep slow regime

Maxime Juventin  1 , Valentin Ghibaudo  1 , Jules Granget  1   2 , Corine Amat  1 , Emmanuelle Courtiol  1 , Nathalie Buonviso  3
Affiliations
Review

Respiratory influence on brain dynamics: the preponderant role of the nasal pathway and deep slow regime

Maxime Juventin et al. Pflugers Arch. 2023 Jan.

Abstract

As a possible body signal influencing brain dynamics, respiration is fundamental for perception, cognition, and emotion. The olfactory system has recently acquired its credentials by proving to be crucial in the transmission of respiratory influence on the brain via the sensitivity to nasal airflow of its receptor cells. Here, we present recent findings evidencing respiration-related activities in the brain. Then, we review the data explaining the fact that breathing is (i) nasal and (ii) being slow and deep is crucial in its ability to stimulate the olfactory system and consequently influence the brain. In conclusion, we propose a possible scenario explaining how this optimal respiratory regime can promote changes in brain dynamics of an olfacto-limbic-respiratory circuit, providing a possibility to induce calm and relaxation by coordinating breathing regime and brain state.

Keywords: Breathing; Olfactory bulb; Oscillatory rhythms.

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