A reduction in dopamine production in the brain is the chief cause of Parkinson's disease, which causes motor system disorders. Primary symptoms of the disease are tremors and trembling in the hands, legs, arms, jaw and face, coupled with rigidity in the extremities. With the condition, you may have trouble maintaining balance and flexibility and may develop anxiety and depression as the symptoms progressively worsen. Several forms of exercise that include deep-breathing techniques can help relieve the side effects.
Eastern Exercises
According to the Mayo Clinic, yoga and tai chi can prove effective for helping improve their balance and flexibility. The exercises used in the Eastern exercise modalities include deep breathing that calms the heart and mind and centers the patient to focus on his movements. To follow the practices of deep breathing, sit or stand upright and place your hand over your stomach. Breathe in deeply though your nose and feel your abdomen rise. Hold for a couple of seconds and blow the air out forcefully through your mouth.
Alignment
There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. You may try various medications to minimize the side effects, which vary between individuals. Surgery that sends electrical impulses to the brain sometimes helps. Many patients seek alternative treatments such as chiropractic care and massage, which helps relieve muscle stiffness and align the spinal column. Both alternative modalities incorporate focused breathing while you're undergoing treatment. You'll be asked to breathe deeply and steadily, taking care not to hold your breath as you receive a manipulation or rubdown.
Physical Movement
Physical exercises such as walking, stretching and bending can be helpful to maintain mobility. You should incorporate facial exercises such as pursing your lips, moving your mouth from side to side and raising your eyebrows throughout the day to keep your muscle memory active. Walking with a walker or with an aide helps stave off atrophy that occurs when you remain bedridden for extended periods of time. While exercising in any capacity, include a regulated, even breathing focus while you're moving.
Eating and Breathing
Choking is an unfortunate side effect of Parkinson's as your disease progresses. Concentrated breathing exercises can help you while you chew and swallow. Take a deep breath before taking a bite of food and release the air before putting food into your mouth. While you chew, take more shallow breaths through your nose. While you may not have given much thought to breathing before getting sick, it's tantamount that you pay attention to how air moves in and out of your body when you develop Parkinson's.
