Introduction
While humans can go weeks without food, or days without water, they can only go a few minutes without air. Breathing is an automatic and involuntary function, but when a person has lung disease like asthma or emphysema, breathing becomes more difficult. Breathing exercises are a way to help people breathe easier.
How the Lungs Work
The lungs are a major organ in the respiratory system. The two lungs are in the center of the chest on either side of the heart. The diaphragm is a large, muscular organ below the lungs that begins the breathing process. The contraction of the diaphragm forces air out. As you breathe or inhale, the lungs take in oxygen from the air. The oxygen is necessary for the vital functions of the body. The oxygen enters the bloodstream where it is carried to all parts of the body--organs, tissues and muscles. As a person breaths out, or exhales, carbon dioxide is released into the air. Carbon dioxide is created in the body as a by-product of various metabolic processes. As the lungs do their jobs, there is a gas exchange. Oxygen goes in while carbon dioxide goes out.
How Breathing Exercises Help the Lungs
There are many benefits to breathing exercises. These types of exercises help to get more air into the lungs and to improve lung capacity. This leads to more oxygen entering the body where it is needed to keep the various functions running efficiently. The diaphragm is also strengthened by breathing exercises. Another benefit is that the lungs and chest are kept limber and flexible. All types of exercise, whether breathing exercise or aerobic exercise, strengthen the muscles of the diaphragm and chest cavity. With a more mobile lung and larger lung capacity, it is easier for people with lung diseases to breath.
Breathing Exercises to Try
There are many different kinds of breathing exercise. A simple exercise is to breathe in through the nose and then breathe out through the mouth. Another exercise is to take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds, than slowly exhale. With this exercise you can prolong the time you hold your breath. With practice you can hold your breath for longer periods of time. Another exercise is to breathe in slowly to a count of five, hold a second and then breathe out for a count of five. When doing this exercise be sure to notice your diaphragm and chest moving up and down. Try to expand or fill the diaphragm with air during inhalation. The diaphragm will flatten during exhalation. During breathing exercises regularly will slowly improve your lung capacity and the muscles involved with breathing.
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