The Science of Nitric Oxide in Breathwork and Sound Healing

Pranayama and Sound Healing have been practiced for thousands of years - but only recently has modern science begun to uncover the physiological mechanisms behind its powerful effects. One of the key players? A gas (or signaling molecule) called nitric oxide (NO).

What Is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric oxide is a well-researched, naturally occurring gas and a crucial signaling molecule in the human body. Scientific studies have shown that nitric oxide is increased in response to specific activities, including deep breathing, relaxation and sound vibration. It plays a key role in:

• Circulatory system: Nitric oxide promotes vasodilation, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery.

• Immune system: Nitric oxide modulates immune response and helps reduce inflammation.

• Nervous system: Nitric oxide supports neural communication and helps shift the body into a parasympathetic and rest-and-repair state.

By optimising these systems, nitric oxide creates internal conditions that support the body’s natural detoxification and healing processes, the release of stored stress, metabolic waste and emotional tension.

Nitric Oxide Is Not The “Happy Gas”

Although their names sound similar, nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), often called “happy gas,” are entirely different substances. Nitric oxide is a gas naturally produced in the body. It doesn’t cause euphoria or sedation and can be naturally boosted through pranayama breathwork, gentle movement and relaxation practices such as sound healing. In contrast, nitrous oxide is a medical gas used for its sedative and pain-relieving effects. It induces temporary feelings of euphoria, but it isn’t produced by the body and must be administered under medical supervision.

How Pranayama and Sound Healing Increase Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide is naturally produced in the body, especially in the nasal cavity and sinuses. When you breathe through your nose, especially during deep, rhythmic practices like pranayama, you enhance the production and delivery of nitric oxide into the lungs and bloodstream. Certain pranayama techniques that involve breath holds (Kumbhakas) or humming (like Bhramari Breath) can dramatically amplify  nitric oxide release - some studies show humming increases nasal nitric oxide levels by up to 15-fold.

Sound healing contributes to nitric oxide production in a different, but complementary way. The vibrations and frequencies produced by instruments like singing bowls and gongs create subtle mechanical stimulation in tissues. This can improve circulation, reduce stress, and stimulate the endothelial cells (which line blood vessels) to release more nitric oxide.

Additionally, deep relaxation induced by sound activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is linked to higher nitric oxide activity and repair functions in the body.

Together, pranayama and sound healing create optimal conditions that naturally boost nitric oxide production and allow its healing effects to unfold.

What Happens in the Body When Nitric Oxide Levels Rise

Both pranayama and sound healing increase nitric oxide levels in the body. Increased levels of nitric oxide in the body activates the parasympathetic nervous system helping the body shift from "fight-or-flight" into “rest-and-digest” state, which increases:

• Vasodilation: Nitric oxide promotes vasodilation - the relaxing and widening of blood vessels - which improves circulation, lowers blood pressure and enhances oxygen delivery to tissues. This increased blood flow helps flush out metabolic waste and supports more effective lymphatic drainage, both essential for detoxification.

• Immune Function: Nitric oxide acts as a signaling molecule that regulates immune responses and reduces inflammation. This supports the body’s ability to repair and release stored stress and toxins, which may sometimes cause detox-like symptoms such as fatigue, headaches or emotional release.

• Neurotransmission: Nitric oxide supports communication between nerve cells, enhancing cognitive clarity, focus and mood.

  
  

These effects may lead to detox-like symptoms after a session, such as fatigue, emotional release, or even mild flu-like sensations. These are normal signs that the body is integrating, clearing, healing and rebalancing.

How Nitric Oxide and Oxygen Work Together

1. Nitric oxide opens the blood vessels (vasodilation) → This increases blood flow and allows more oxygen-rich blood to reach your tissues, brain and organs.

2. Nitric oxide improves oxygen uptake in the lungs → When you breathe in through your nose, nitric oxide produced in your sinuses mixes with air and enhances the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream via the lungs.

3. Nitric oxide optimises mitochondrial function: Inside your cells, nitric oxide helps regulate the mitochondria (the energy powerhouses), allowing them to use oxygen more efficiently for energy production.

A Personal Journey - How You May Feel After a Session

Sound healing and breathwork are deeply personal journeys, and their effects vary depending on your individual needs and energetic state. Whether you leave a session feeling:

• deeply relaxed, calm, peaceful and blissful

• energized, revitalized, uplifted and clear-headed

• emotional, or experiencing temporary detox symptoms like fatigue or mild flu-like symptoms

know that it’s all part of the healing (and releasing) process, and all of these reactions are completely normal. Temporary detox responses are signs that your body is shifting, clearing blockages, and integrating new energy. They should pass within 1-2 days.

What to Do If You Experience Detox Symptoms

Just as physical healing can involve temporary discomfort, emotional and energetic healing may also bring up sensations that feel unfamiliar or intense. These are natural signs that deeper layers are shifting and releasing. If you find yourself experiencing any detox symptoms, feel tired, emotional, or achy after a session, there’s no need to be concerned - it’s your body’s way of rebalancing.

The best after-care:

• Hydrate: Drink lots of healthy fluids such as filtered water (add electrolytes if needed), herbal teas, fresh juices

• Slow down and prioritise rest and sleep. Allow your body to integrate the experience, and trust that the process is unfolding exactly as it should.

• Journal to process emotions and what arises

Want to experience the power of natural relaxation with nitric oxide? Book a private 1:1 session or join a Pranayama & Sound Healing event.