A Natural Way to Improve Breathing (Part 2)

In Part I of this series I wrote about the healing powers of the body and how a few simple breathing exercises can help the COPD sufferer. If the principles that my article presented make sense to you, then the next step is to find a breathing exercise program that fits your needs.

There are many people out there who feel that they can teach you breathing and relaxation techniques, but in choosing, a few precautions are in order.

1. Don't overdo yourself. Keep the breathing program fun and simple.
2. Begin slowly, don't rush. It took you years to develop COPD, and it stands to reason that it will take time to improve your breathing. Anyone who says they can help you to gain "instant health" should be avoided.
3. Avoid programs that say theirs is the only way. There are many ways to accomplish a goal, and to say your is the only one is unfair and untrue.
4. Make up your own program, after researching the subject. Remember, every program has to be created by someone, and the someone who is best for you is YOU!
5. If you feel uncomfortable with what you're doing, STOP or revise your plan. If you are uncomfortable, it will cause stress and that can destroy the positive effects of your program.

To help you with item #4 in the above, here are a few simple exercises you can use to begin.

Full Chest and Abdominal Breathing

This method is simply a deepening of the breath. Take slow, deep, rhythmic breaths through the nose. When the diaphragm drops down, the abdomen is expanded allowing the air to rush into the lungs. Then the chest cavity is expanded, allowing the lungs to fill completely. This is followed by a slow, even exhalation which empties the lungs completely. Start slowly and build your stamina until you are doing 10 - 15 repetitions several times a day.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Holding one nostril closed inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. Then hold the opposite nostril closed, inhale and exhale deeply. The ancient practitioners of Yoga knew of this and used this knowledge to improve health. Western science, on the other hand, did not know about this simple exercise until the 1800's. As a side note, neuroscience has found that the practice of alternate nostril breathing helps to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Relaxation Techniques

Begin by taking slow deep breaths. Repeat these phrases to yourself.

The copyright of the article A Natural Way to Improve Breathing (Part 2) in Lung Disease is owned by Floyd Tilton . Permission to republish A Natural Way to Improve Breathing (Part 2) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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