Staying Active with Simple Breathing Technique for COPD

If you have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it may be harder for you to eat well and to exercise. But exercise and good nutrition can help you live better with COPD.
Exercise — especially exercise that works your lungs and heart — has many benefits for people who have COPD.

Here is a simple breathing technique you can begin practicing. 

1. Sit comfortably and relax. Put both your hands on your belly. Breathe in slowly for 3 seconds. 
2. Hold your breath for 4 seconds.’ Put your lips together as if you’re starting to whistle or blow out candles on a birthday cake. This is known as “pursing” your lips. 
3. While continuing to keep your lips pursed, slowly breathe out for 5 seconds.

HOLD YOUR BREATH FOR 2 SECONDS. 
REPEAT 5 TIMES

1. Now, Put both your hands on your chest. Breathe in slowly for 3 seconds. 
2. Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
3. Slowly breathe out for 5 seconds with pursed lips.

HOLD YOUR BREATH FOR 2 SECONDS. 
REPEAT 5 TIMES

After this, begin 5 simple rounds of Humming.

1. Close your mouth and touch the roof of your mouth with the tongue. Take a small breath through your nose.
2. Breathe out by saying ‘hmmmm’ and feel the vibrations

REPEAT 5 TIMES.

People with COPD who use breathing exercises experience greater improvements in exercise capacity than those who don’t. However, if you are experiencing difficulties in breathing, please seek medical help.