Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of lung diseases that block airflow as you exhale, making it difficult to breathe. Regular practice of breathing exercises, also known as pranayama, may be helpful in coping with COPD. COPD is a leading cause of death and illness worldwide, so consult your doctor before practicing breathing exercises.
Relax and Breathe
One of the most basic and effective ways to help the breathlessness that comes along with COPD is to simply relax and breathe. Lay down in a comfortable position and focus on your breathing. With each breath, try to slow the pace down and relax your body more and more. Eventually, you'll be able to control your breath. You can use this technique anytime you feel breathless.
Counting Breath
Counting silently in your head while breathing automatically slows and relaxes the breathing. Start by counting to two on your inhale and two on your exhale. Gradually increase to counting to three and then to four. Once you have counted to four on a few inhales and exhales, start to increase the exhales to a five count, but keep your inhales at four. Gradually increase to a six-count exhale and then slowly come back to a four-count exhale.
Ujjayi Pranayama
Ujjayi pranayama can be performed while laying flat on your back or with your head and chest slightly elevated. Make sure your head sits higher than your chest. Start with a few cycles of normal breathing, then inhale naturally and exhale fully keeping your chest lifted. Repeat for 15 to 20 cycles, then return to normal breathing. Ujjayi pranayama helps improve the function of the lungs according to yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar.
Viloma Pranayama
Viloma pranayama is beneficial to those suffering from breathing disorders. Start by inhaling three-fourths of a breath and then exhale fully. Continue this breathing pattern for a few breaths. Next, inhale only two-thirds of a breath and exhale fully. Continue this pattern for a few breaths. Go back to breathing three-fourths in and fully exhaling for a few rounds. Then slowly return to normal, relaxed breathing.
References
- MayoClinic.com; COPD; March 2011
- "Light on Pranayama"; B.K.S. Iyengar; 2006
- My Yoga Online; Yoga Breathing for Health; Vijai Sharma, Ph.D.; March 2009
- "Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health"; B.K.S. Iyengar; 2001
