According to a 2007 study conducted by the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University College London, a third of asthma sufferers experienced a decrease in symptoms after performing a series of breathing exercises known as the Papworth method. Furthermore, one year after the study, participants still noted an improvement in symptoms. Before you use the Papworth method to treat your asthma, you should speak to your doctor.
Relaxation
The Papworth method was first introduced in the 1960s and developed by a group of physiotherapists practicing in a European clinic. The method features not only a series of breathing exercises, but relaxation techniques as well. It also emphasizes the importance of regular exercise and performing the right type of breathing based on your current activity. Part of learning to breathe correctly on the Papworth Method is the emphasis on diaphragm breathing and breathing through the nose, states the BMJ Specialty Journals.
Slow and Measured Breathing
If you suffer from asthma, the Papworth method recommends that you breathe in a slow and measured way. You should not take shallow breaths as part of the treatment. Instead, you should breathe deeply from the lungs instead of using the top of your chest. The abdomen and diaphragm are used to breathe instead of the chest. A patient must relax his body to breathe properly: shoulders should be dropped and the abdomen should be relaxed. The relaxed breathing should be maintained even in times of stress.
Working with Practitioners
The Papworth method is a complementary treatment for asthma. You should not perform the breathing alone without the use of any prescribed asthma medications. An alternative medicine practitioner can show you the techniques on how to perform the Papworth method. Participants typically need to attend several sessions with a practitioner in order to master the techniques on their own. A physical therapist may also be familiar with the Papworth breathing exercises.
