Your carotid artery runs along the side of your neck and is one of two blood vessels that detect your blood's carbon dioxide, or CO2, and oxygen levels and play a major role in adjusting your breathing rate as needed, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Breathing exercises for the carotid artery and CO2 expansion concentrate on improving breathing capabilities, and lung functioning, efficiency and capacity. Since not all exercises may be appropriate for your individual condition, obtain your doctor's approval prior to starting any.
Diaphragm Breathing
Learning how to breathe efficiently plays a key role in breathing exercises for the carotid artery and CO2 expansion. Having a strong diaphragm muscle increases breathing capabilities, makes breathing easier, increases lung capacity and lowers your reliance on less efficient muscles. Start working on strengthening your diaphragm by lying on your back on an exercise mat and doing a belly breathing exercise. Gently bend your knees so your feet are flat against the surface. Place one hand on your chest and another directly below your rib cage. Slowly breathe in through your nostrils. If you do this correctly, your abdomen will extend while your upper chest remains motionless. Hold your breath for three seconds. Tighten your stomach muscles and slowly exhale through your nose. Relax for 10 seconds. Do this exercise for five minutes.
Whistlers
Breathing exercises for the carotid artery and CO2 expansion can lower your risk of experiencing shortness of breath by using your lip muscles. Start doing some lip pursing maneuvers to learn better breath control. Sit upright in a firm chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor. Gently relax your shoulders and neck. Slowly inhale through your nose while taking a normal breath. Hold for two seconds. Purse your lips as if kissing someone or whistling. Slowly exhale through your pursed lips to the count of five while emptying your lungs of air. Relax for 10 seconds. Do the exercise for two minutes.
Imagery Breathing
Learning to breathe deeply and correctly with your diaphragm provides many health benefits, including lowering your respiratory rate and stress level as well as your chances of hyperventilating and restricting your carotid artery, hypnotherapist Ron Price says in an article for Hypnosis and Health. Do a deep-breathing exercise for the carotid artery and CO2 expansion by sitting either upright in a firm chair or with your legs crisscrossed on an exercise mat. Place a hand on each thigh and gently relax your shoulder, neck and arm muscles. Close your eyes. Gently and slowly inhale through your nose. Imagine a pleasant place. Take a deep breath in while filling your diaphragm with air. Hold for three seconds. Slightly open your mouth and slowly exhale through your mouth, clearing your diaphragm of air. Relax for 10 seconds. Do the exercise 10 times.
Walking
Some people may need surgery to unblock a clogged carotid artery. Once the artery is unblocked, following a healthful exercise program plays a key role in keeping your carotid arteries healthy while improving blood flow and CO2 supply to the brain. Start walking to increase your endurance as part of your breathing exercises for the carotid artery and CO2 expansion. Walk for five minutes at a comfortable pace while carrying on a conversation or whistling. If you become breathless, stop immediately; being breathless and unable to talk means you are overdoing it. Gradually increase your time and pace as you become stronger.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Controls Your Breathing?
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals: Breathing Exercises
- American Lung Association: Coughing and Breathing Exercises
- Hypnosis and Health; "Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises"; Ralph Price; 2006
- Tampa General Hospital: Carotid Artery Surgery
