We often take our bodies for granted until they begin to speak loudly through pain, fatigue, digestive trouble, sleep disturbance, or a serious diagnosis. Ironically, many of us care for our cars more consistently than we care for our own bodies—checking, maintaining, and repairing them before problems grow worse. This series shares real-life-inspired TCM stories to remind us of something simple but easy to forget: the body is not a machine to push endlessly but a living system that needs respect, attention, and care. These stories are not only about living longer. They are about living better—with more energy, balance, and quality in our daily lives. When Sleep Became Impossible: 2. Lessons from a Teacher's Life The body rarely breaks all at once; it warns us in whispers. I remember a patient in her early 40s—a dedicated teacher who spent her nights grading papers and her mornings rising before the sun. Caffeine was her constant companion. Eventually, chronic heada...
Studies and research have been published in various medical journals about the specific relations between the right/ left nostrils and certain biological/ mental functions.
The breathing technique of Yogis
Alternating nostril breathing is known to warm the body and aids digestion. After eating, yogis lie on their left side and breathe primarily through their righ nostril. They believe that this posture and breathing technique promote the blood flow and heat in the body, which aids in digestion.
A study of Yogi's breathing technique in Philadelphia
A few years ago, this claim was studied at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Twenty healhty subjects were provided with a high-fat meal on a different day and asked to lie on their Right or Left side. As the result, those who were instructed to lie on their left side (breathing primarily thorugh their Right nostril like Yogis) experienced significantly less heartburn and lower throat acidity in comparision to those who were instructed to lie on their right side.
Another Research
The research by Khoury et al. further supports this claim. This study was conducted to identify the relation between bodily position and its effects on postprandial and fasting gastroesophageal reflux (GER). With abnormal supine esophageal pH below 4 (Acidic) on 24-hour pH measurements, three women and seven men (mean age 30-67 years) volunteered. The same high-fat dinner at 6PM and pre-bedtime snack at 10PM were given to all patients as in the aforementioned study.
To measure GER during a voluntary sleep posture, a single-channel pH probe was placed 5cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and a position sensor was taped to the sternum. For each of the four sleeping postures (Right/Left/Supine/Prone), data were gathered adn analyzed for the percentage of supine pH<4 hours and esophageal acid clearance time.
The study's findings also showed that patients with nocturnal GER favored lying on their left side, whereas right lateral pressure had a greater percentage of pH4 hours and a longer time for esophageal acid clearance.
Closing
Traditional medicine and traditional health practices have played a crucial role in the development of Western medicine, even as times shift and new technologies foster innovation. May this peice be of assistance to those who are experiencing digestive issus, and may you slumber like a yogi by lying on your left side, taking a deep breath through your right nostril, and doing so without experiencing heartburn or acid reflux while sleeping through the night.
References
Khoury, R.M. et al. "Influence of spontaneous sleeping positions on nighttime recumbent reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease."American Journal of Gastroenterol 94(8):2069-73.
Anahad O'Connor. "The Claim: Lying on your left side eases heartburn." The New York TImes Oct.25. 2010. https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/health/26really.html;
Naum Acupuncture info@naumaculover.com
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