Whether you are suffering from mental ailments such as anxiety or distress, or if you are dealing with physical disorders like kidney disease or muscle aches, practicing specific breathing exercises may help alleviate your condition. As with any exercise or medical practice, you should first check with your doctor.
Pranamaya Exercises
One technique that has shown positive health benefits is the Pranamaya breathing exercise. According to HealingDaily.com, this exercise is an ayurvedic technique focused on promoting an overall spiritual well-being. Using the diaphragm to inhale while also focusing on meditation or relaxation allows the user to lower his heart rate while also relaxing his muscles. This deep-breathing exercise allows for the user to breath more from the core of the body as opposed to taking shallow breaths resulting by stress and anxiety, while also promoting increased blood flow to all areas of the body due to the opening of capillaries.
Controlled Rhythmic Breathing
Rhythmic breathing is often associated with relaxation during highly stressful, physiological times in a person's life (like pregnancy or trauma). According to Dan Beatty, a leading instructor in various rhythmic breathing techniques, "[b]reathing exercises can increase lung capacity, allowing patients to breathe deeper and smoother. This deeper and smoother breathing increases oxygen utilization and efficiency at the cellular level. A cell with a good supply of oxygen has a much better chance of fighting off disease, utilizing energy more efficiently and living longer." The technique can be completed from either a sitting or supine (laying on the back) position, and the user is encouraged to space breaths out from one another in a timed, systematic manner. Many different types of rhythmic breathing are available to learn, including Chi Gung, Pilates and Yoga.
Belly Breath Exercises
According to the University of Missouri, one particularly effective breathing exercise is referred to as belly breathing. This technique focuses on utilizing the lungs to maximum capacity via the use and assistance of abdominal muscles. In order to practice this technique, lie flat on your back, place your hands palm down on your stomach or rib cage, and while focusing on the use of the diaphragm to fill the lungs, have your fingers spread apart, indicating a proper breath.
