Dynamic breathing exercises help expand the lungs and build lung capacity. They are useful for anyone who wants to build cardiovascular strength or endurance, such as cyclists, body builders and runners, and they can also be a helpful treatment for those who suffer from respiratory problems like asthma.
Straight Line Breathing
Straight line breathing involves inhaling and exhaling through the nose and filling the abdomen first and then the chest. The exhale is slow and steady at the same pace as the inhale, and you use the stomach muscles to push the air out.
Triangular Breathing
Triangular breathing is similar to straight line breathing, except you hold the breath at the end of the inhale. The inhale, hold, and exhale should all last for the same amount of time.
Square Breathing
Square breathing builds on triangular breathing by adding another breath hold in between the exhale and the inhale. All segments--inhale, exhale and hold--are the same duration.
Rectangular Breathing
Rectangular breathing differs from square breathing in that the inhale and exhale are longer than the two holds. So, if the inhale and exhale are each four seconds, the holds will be two seconds.
Therapeutic Breathing
Therapeutic breathing involves directing the breath to a particular part of the body. It might be a part of the body that is tense or in pain. For example, if you have lower back pain, you can try breathing deeply and focusing on the lower back, trying to relax the muscles and ease the pain and tension.
