Strengthen Your Lungs Naturally with Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises

In today’s fast-paced life, people are constantly dealing with stress and anxiety that lead to shortness of breath, cough, and other respiratory illnesses. Moreover, in the present scenario, where a respiratory disease- COVID-19, has brought the whole world to a standstill, respiratory health has become more critical than ever. The current pandemic has made people realize the importance of healthy lung capacity exercises and how the life-taking virus directly affects them. Therefore, this article aims to introduce you to some exercises and techniques that you can use to improve your breathing and promote healthy lungs.

1. Deep Breathing Exercises- Deep breathing exercises, including Diaphragmatic breathing and Pursed lip breathing, can help you relax and improve your breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing involves taking deep breaths while extending your stomach and allowing your diaphragm to expand. On the other hand, Pursed lip breathing involves exhaling slowly through rounded lips, which creates backpressure that keeps the airways open. You can start by practicing these techniques while lying or sitting comfortably.

2. Cardiovascular exercises- Cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, and swimming are great for overall health and help improve lung capacity. These exercises condition your body to use oxygen efficiently and help keep your lungs healthy. You can start with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you build endurance.

3. Pranayama- Pranayama is a form of yoga that incorporates breathing exercises. It helps improve breathing patterns by opening the airways, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving lung capacity. One of the popular Pranayama techniques is Kapalbhati- which consists of forceful inhalation and exhalation of breath through the nose while sitting in a comfortable position.

4. Steam Inhalation- Steam inhalation is an excellent remedy for respiratory problems. The inhalation of warm steam helps open airways, clears mucus from the lungs, and improves breathing. You can add some essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint to enhance the benefits.

5. Acupuncture- Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It helps improve respiratory health by reducing inflammation, relaxing the airways, and reducing stress.

We take breathing for granted, but it is essential for good health and longevity. Good breathing techniques can help you relax, increase lung capacity, and promote healthy lungs. The above exercises and techniques are easy to perform and do not require any equipment or prior experience. It is always advisable to consult a doctor before starting any exercise or technique. Regular practice of these techniques can help improve your overall health and well-being. So take a few minutes out each day to practice deep breathing, and you may notice the positive effects it has on your life.

Breathing exercises are not only important for physical health; they can also be beneficial for emotional wellbeing. Deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety, while calming breathing can lead to increased relaxation and clarity of mind. By creating a state of inner stillness, you can bring more balance into your life. Incorporating breathing exercises into your daily routine can also help improve concentration, energy and focus.