Saturday 11 February 2012

Morning Breathing Exercises |

Morning Breathing Exercises Photo Credit yoga image by Jorge Casais from Fotolia.com

Breathing exercises are designed to get the body used to taking deep, cleansing breaths, filling the lungs and resetting the natural rhythm of bringing oxygen into the body. Stress and chaotic lifestyles have caused many people to get in the habit of shallow breathing, which adds to the stress. The best time to start a breathing exercise program, according to Helpguide.org, is when you're rested, which makes morning the ideal time for those whose days are rushed.

Basic Breathing

One of the main goals in any breathing exercise is to learn to breathe from the abdomen, which enables you to take deeper breaths. This allows more oxygen to flow through your body, according to Helpguide.org, thus decreasing the tension.
Start by sitting in a chair with your back straight. Place one hand on your chest and the other hand on your abdomen. Inhale through your nose as deeply as possible to the count of five. You should feel your abdomen expand significantly, but your chest should move very little. Slowly exhale through your mouth and push out all the air to the count of ten. Your abdomen should go down to its original position. Repeat this exercise ten times when you first start your breathing exercise. Each morning increase your repetitions until you work up to ten minutes of deep breathing.

Alternate Breathing Exercise

Sit on the floor with your legs crossed. Place your right thumb over your right nostril and slowly inhale through your left nostril to the count of four and half fill your lungs with air. Remove your right thumb and place your left thumb over your left nostril. Slowly inhale to the count of four, completely filling your lungs. Keep your left nostril closed and slowly exhale through your right nostril to the count of eight. Reverse and start by closing your left nostril closed to half fill your lungs then switch to the right side---both to the count of four.

Asthma Relief

According to the Mayo Clinic, some forms of deep breathing exercise may help asthma sufferers. The exercises may reduce the symptoms and lower the amount of medication needed for asthma.
One of the techniques mentioned on the Mayo Clinic website is yoga breathing. The combination of yoga fitness exercises and breathing techniques can help reduce stress along with asthma symptoms. There are several versions of yoga breathing, according to Healthandyoga.com. One involves abdominal breathing, the second is chest breathing and the third is full yogic breathing. Inhale deeply and slowly, allowing the abdomen to rise. Then continue to inhale, filling the chest. After the abdomen and chest are full of air, slowly exhale in reverse order---from the chest first then from the abdomen. Repeat this exercise 20 times.

Cough Control

An article on the COPD International website recommends breathing exercises for cough control. COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Sit straight in a chair and relax. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly from your mouth three times. Wrap your arms around your abdomen and inhale deeply through your nose. Lean forward with your arms pressed tightly over your abdomen and force yourself to cough as you lean. Sit up straight and relax. You may repeat this exercise if needed.

Exercises

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