The 5 Hidden Systems of the Body You’ve Been Ignoring (But Shouldn’t) #4: The Airways – The Unsung Hero of Healing

Orie Quinn
Jun 6
1 min read

I’ll never forget the child who had been misdiagnosed with ADHD. His mom came to me in desperation. He couldn’t sleep, couldn’t sit still, and was constantly anxious. We assessed his airway—he had major tongue tie and narrow nasal passages. After treatment and therapy? His sleep normalized. His attention returned. He didn’t need meds—he needed breath.

Anatomy & Physiology

Your airway is sacred. It’s your first and last breath. Every inhale powers your nervous system, lymphatic flow, CSF rhythm, and even your posture. If you can’t breathe well, you can’t heal well. Simple as that.

Signs of Dysfunction

Snoring or mouth breathing
Anxiety or panic
Poor sleep or waking often
Fatigue despite rest

How It’s Tested

Sleep study
CBCT scan
Myofunctional assessment
Breath pattern analysis

Three At-Home Ways to Improve It

Nasal rinses and breathing – Clear the path and use it.
Mouth tape – Encourages nose breathing overnight (check safety first).
Posture and tongue awareness – The tongue should rest on the palate like a hammock.

Two Clinical Therapies That Help

Myofunctional Therapy
Myofascial Cranial Release