Taos Tap: Altitude Air Stealing HA Savings?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe thin air bites at your lungs as you step out of the car in Taos, New Mexico. You’re immediately aware of the altitude, the sun feeling closer, the air drier. Maybe you’re here to ski Taos Ski Valley, explore the Taos Pueblo, or simply soak in the artistic vibe. But that shortness of breath? That’s the high altitude talking, and it can quickly turn a dream vacation into a miserable experience. But there’s a simple, yet powerful technique, born from the wisdom of the mountains, that can help you breathe easier: the “Taos Tap.”
The Taos Tap isn’t some ancient, mystical ritual. It’s a practical breathing exercise designed to maximize oxygen intake in the thinner air of high-altitude environments like Taos (elevation: 6,969 feet). It’s about consciously controlling your breath to improve oxygen absorption, potentially alleviating altitude sickness symptoms and boosting your energy levels for those hikes and ski runs.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing the Taos Tap:
Find a Comfortable Position: You can sit, stand, or even lie down. The key is to be relaxed. Tension restricts breathing.
Gentle Inhale: Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, filling your belly first, then your chest. Imagine you’re filling a container from the bottom up. This diaphragmatic breathing is crucial.
The "Tap": At the peak of your inhale, gently tap your sternum (breastbone) with your fingertips 3-5 times. This subtle vibration helps to loosen any tension in the chest and encourages deeper lung expansion. It’s not a forceful pounding, just a light, rhythmic tap.
Slow Exhale: Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth, as if you’re gently blowing out a candle. Focus on emptying your lungs completely.
Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 for 5-10 minutes, or as needed. Pay attention to how your body feels.
The physiological benefits of the Taos Tap at altitude are rooted in several key principles. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing increases the amount of air reaching the lower lobes of your lungs, where oxygen absorption is most efficient. The tapping action further enhances this by promoting relaxation of the chest muscles and potentially breaking up any minor congestion. This is especially helpful in the dry Taos climate, where mucus can thicken.
Compared to other breathing exercises, the Taos Tap offers a unique combination of deep breathing and physical stimulation. The Buteyko method, for example, focuses on reducing breathing volume, which can be beneficial for certain conditions like asthma, but may not be ideal for someone struggling to get enough oxygen at high altitude. The Taos Tap, on the other hand, is designed to increase oxygen intake.
A common mistake people make when trying the Taos Tap is breathing too quickly or shallowly. This defeats the purpose of deep, diaphragmatic breathing. Another pitfall is tapping too hard on the sternum, which can be uncomfortable. Remember, the tap is gentle.
Let’s consider a real-world scenario. Imagine you’re visiting Taos for a ski trip. You arrive from sea level and immediately hit the slopes. By the afternoon, you’re feeling lightheaded, nauseous, and exhausted – classic symptoms of altitude sickness. Instead of reaching for medication immediately, try the Taos Tap. Find a quiet spot, sit down, and practice the technique for 10 minutes. You might be surprised at how quickly it can alleviate your symptoms and allow you to enjoy the rest of your day.
For residents of Taos, the Taos Tap can be a valuable tool for maintaining optimal health and performance year-round. Athletes, in particular, can use it to improve their endurance and recovery at altitude. Even for everyday activities, incorporating the Taos Tap into your routine can help you feel more energized and less susceptible to the effects of high altitude.
Beyond the Taos Tap, there are other resources available in Taos to help with high-altitude acclimatization. The Holy Cross Hospital in Taos offers information and treatment for altitude sickness. Local pharmacies carry oxygen canisters and other remedies. And many local guides and outfitters are knowledgeable about altitude acclimatization strategies.
However, the Taos Tap offers a free, accessible, and effective way to proactively manage the effects of altitude. It’s a skill that, once learned, can be used anytime, anywhere. It’s about empowering yourself to breathe easier and enjoy all that Taos, and other high-altitude destinations, have to offer.
Don’t underestimate the power of conscious breathing. The Taos Tap is more than just a technique; it’s a connection to the rhythm of the mountains, a way to harmonize your body with the environment, and a path to feeling your best at any altitude. So, take a deep breath, tap into the wisdom of Taos, and experience the difference.