The Pursed Lip Breathing technique is used to facilitate the total expulsion of air from the lungs so that a greater quantity of fresh air may then enter. Sufferers of COPD (Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease) and other lung diseases in which the airway is given to collapse during exhalation are advised to employ this technique to help manage the condition. Pursed Lip Breathing keeps the airways open longer, allowing for the release of trapped air from the lungs. It may be used independently to relieve shortness of breath, or it can be used in concert with other breathing exercises.
The Basic Method
Straighten your torso, relax the tension in your body and take a deep breath in through your nose. Then purse your lips as if preparing to blow out a flame and drive the air in your lungs out through the small opening formed by your lips. Don't try to force this expulsion, just allow it to happen. This has the effect of naturally drawing out your exhalation, keeping the airway open, as waste air is prevented from rapidly discharging due to the narrow escape hole you've directed it to move through. Notice how your cheeks blow out when you perform this exercise. This is a result of the pressure produced by this elongated release of air through the restricted opening of your pursed lips.
Pursed Lipped Technique as a Compliment to other Breathing Exercises
The Pursed Lipped Breathing technique can be used as a part of any breathing exercise which calls for you to inhale through the nose and slowly exhale through the mouth. For example the Yogi Rib Stretching Exercise used to give the ribs a workout in order to preserve and enhance elasticity. Stand erect. Grip the highest region of your sides with your hands---grip as close to your armpits as you can comfortably go. Inhale through the nose, filling the lungs to capacity. Retain the air for a short time while then slowly exhale, using the pursed lipped breathing technique to naturally stretch out the release of your breath. As you blow out, gently squeeze your sides.
Another Yogi breathing exercise calls for you to stand erect with your hands gripping your sides at the waist. Inhale, filling the lungs to capacity, and hold for as long as you can comfortably retain your breath. Then, keeping your legs and hips stationary, bend forward at the waist as if bowing; as you bend slowly exhale through the mouth using the Pursed Lip Breathing technique to once again naturally stretch out the release of your breath. You can also vary this exercise by alternately bending to the left and right.
Tags: Breathing technique, , slowly exhale, , your sides