BREATHING EXERCISES

BREATHING EXERCISES

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A 20% reduction in oxygen blood levels may be caused by the aging process and normal breathing habits. Poor breathing robs energy and negatively affects mental alertness. Unless breathing is exercised, aging affects the respiratory system as follows:  Stiffness: The rib cage and surrounding muscles get stiff causing inhalation to become more difficult. Less elasticity and weak muscles leave stale air in the tissues of the lungs and prevents fresh oxygen from reaching the blood stream.

Rapid, Shallow Breathing: This type of breathing, often caused by poor posture and weak or stiff muscles, leads to poor oxygen supply, respiratory disease, sluggishness, or heart disease.

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BELLY BREATH EXERCISES

The following exercises are simple ways to deepen breathing and to cleanse the lungs. These exercises will also increase energy and decrease tension.

Lie flat on your back to get a proper sense of deep breathing. (Have some small pillows available to reduce strain by tucking them under the neck and knees. The natural course of breathing in that position will create a slight rise in the stomach upon inhaling and a slight fall upon exhaling.)  Place your hands palm down on your stomach at the base of the rib cage. (The lungs go that far down. What fills them deeper is the pushing down of the diaphragm. The diaphragm creates a suction which draws air into the lungs. the air is then expelled when the diaphragm pushes up. In this process, the life-giving oxygen fills the lungs and gets into the blood stream for distribution to the cells. Carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood into the about-to-be exhaled breath, thus cleansing the body and blood of waste products.)   Lay the palms of your hands on your stomach just below the rib cage, middle fingers barely touching each other, and take a slow deep breath.  (As the diaphragm pushes down, the stomach will slightly expand causing the fingertips to separate somewhat.

This movement indicates full use of the lungs, resulting in a truly deep breath rather than the "puffed chest" breath experienced by many as the greatest lung capacity. Chest breathing fills the middle and upper parts of the lungs. Belly breathing is the most efficient method. Infants and small children use only this method until the chest matures. The yoga breath or roll breathing combines belly and chest breathing.


FOR BEST RESULTS, PRACTICE THIS EXERCISE FOR 5 MINUTES.

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COMPLETE BREATH EXERCISES

1. Sit up straight. Exhale.2. Inhale and, at the same time, relax the belly muscles. Feel as though the belly is filling with air.
3. After filling the belly, keep inhaling. Fill up the middle of your chest. Feel your chest and rib cage expand.
4. Hold the breath in for a moment, then begin to exhale as slowly as possible.
5.  As the air is slowly let out, relax your chest and rib cage. Begin to pull your belly in to force out the remaining breath.
6. Close your eyes, and concentrate on your breathing.
7.  Relax your face and mind.
8.  Let everything go.
9.  Practice about 5 minutes.

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HUMMING BREATH EXERCISES

Follow the instructions for inhaling the COMPLETE BREATH (Steps 1-3 above). Now, as you begin to slowly exhale, make a HUM sound. Keep making that humming sound as long as possible. Pull your stomach muscles in, squeezing out a few more seconds of humming. Then relax. Practice for 2 to 3 minutes.

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CHINESE BREATH EXERCISES

A very fine, short (though not shallow) breath exercise comes from the Chinese Tai Chi Chuan. Three short inhales are done through the nose without exhaling. On the first inhale, the arms are lifted from the sides straight out in front at shoulder height. On the second, the arms are opened out straight to the sides while still at shoulder height. And on the third, the arms are lifted straight over the head. Then, on the exhale through the mouth, the arms are moved in an arc back down to the sides. Usually, ten or twelve breaths are sufficient and will not cause light headedness. If light headedness should occur, simply stop the exercise. This exercise also has the effect of really opening up people physically.  In subtle ways, this exercise uses the body in leading the mind and spirit to greater openness with each other and the environment.

CAUTION !!  Especially for older people:  Never do panting or shallow breathing except while seated. Hyperventilation may occur. As long as one is seated, hyperventilation will not be a problem because, even if a brief blackout should occur, the body's automatic breathing apparatus will immediately take over.

University of Missouri

Aerobic Exercises for Lymphedema

Aerobic Exercises for Lymphedema

BY JOACHIM ZUTHER, ON DECEMBER 17TH, 2010

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This is the first part in a three-part series covering exercises for patients affected by lymphedema. Part two will cover resistive exercises; part three will discuss decongestive and breathing exercises – so stay tuned.

Lymphedema patients can and should be active, and those who never exercised before should consider starting that daily walk, wim or spending twenty minutes on a stationary bicycle. The right type of physical activity helps to reduce the swelling by improving the flow of lymph, and presents a vital tool for patients to stay in shape and continue with normal activities of daily living.

So what is the right type of exercise for lymphedema?

Many patients ask if they can continue their pre-lymphedema activities, or if the should adjust, or replace them. The answer to that question really depends on the kind of activity. Tennis or golf for example does not rank very high on the list of beneficial activities for individuals with upper extremity lymphedema. For patients with lymphedema of the leg, kick-boxing and step-aerobics are activities that bear a great risk of injury and therefore should be avoided.

But the reality is that for some individuals exercise plays such a vital role in their daily routine, and is so engrained in their personality, that giving up these so called “high-risk activities” would have a serious impact on their well-being.

Complete Article:  Lymphedema Blog

Editor's Note:  I have spoken of this blog in many of my own sites and if you have not yet "toured" it, you are missing out on some top quality information for your lymphedema.  

Decongestive and Breathing Exercises for Lymphedema

Joachim Zuther in his excellent "Lymphedema Blog" has a great page on the why's and wherefores of breathing exercises for lymphedema.

In this last part of the three-part series about exercises, I would like to address decongestive- and breathing exercises, which are an integral part in the treatment and management of lymphedema.

Unlike the heart in the blood circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have an active pump to propel lymphatic fluid back to the bloodstream. Effective lymph flow depends on sufficient muscle and joint activity, especially if the functionality of the lymphatic system is compromised. Decongestive exercises are most effective if performed while the patient wears compression garments or bandages, which are also essential components in lymphedema management. Ideally, decongestive exercise protocols are performed two to three times daily for about 10-15 minutes, and the patient should rest with the affected limb elevated for at least 10 minutes following the exercises.

These active, non-resistive and repetitive exercise protocols should be customized by the lymphedema therapist and/or physician to mmet individual goals for patients affected by lymphedema. The stage and type of lymphedema, specific restrictions and limitations of joint and muscle activity, as well as additional medical conditions need to be considered.

The downward and upward movement of the diaphragm in deep abdominal breathing is an essential component for the sufficient return of lymphatic fluid back to the bloodstream. Patients affected by lymphedema of the leg benefit greatly from an exercise program including diaphragmatic breathing exercises. The movement of the diaphragm, combined with the outward and inward movements of the abdomen, ribcage, and lower back, also promotes general well-being, peristalsis and return of venous blood back to the heart.

Following are sample decongestive exercise protocols, combined with breathing exercises for the upper and lower extremity, which are published in the book Lymphedema Management. This book also contains self-MLD and self-bandaging protocols for patients affected by lymphedema. The exercise protocols below serve as guidelines and the movements outlined must not cause discomfort, pain, or soreness.

Before you engage in any exercise program, especially if you have additional medical conditions, please make sure to get your physicians approval.

I would like to wish all of my readers a Happy and Healthy 2011!

Lymphedema Blog

see all of his blog:

Lymphedema

Abdominal Breathing (3 repetitions)

Place both hands on your belly
Inhale deeply through your nose into your belly (feel how you breathe against your hands)
Exhale through your mouth

Perform breathing exercises as often as possible during the day

Breathing Exercises for Lymphedema

Breathing Exercises for Lymphedema

Marianne Ross, Ph.D.

A few nice deep breaths can be so relaxing. It can be a quick and easy stress reliever. You can do this anytime. You can do this anywhere. It is not visible to others.

And the good news can be that because you are less stressed, you will handle things more easily.

Word has it that when people are stressed, they tend to take short little breaths rather than deep, relaxing ones. Is this true for you? Check it out.

Quick and Easy Stress Management Breathing Exercise:

·Sit down or lie down.

·Inhale slowly and say to yourself I am...

·Exhale slowly and say to yourself relaxed.

Breathing is not something you DO. Rather it is something which you ALLOW. (p.26) The problem is that we don't allow our breathing to occur smoothly and naturally.

For those who are a bit more ambitious, here is a way to experience more about breathing.

Experiencing a Full Breath While it is not possible or necessary to fully expand the lungs with every breath, it is vital in heightening awareness to experience how a really complete breath feels. Used periodically, this exercise utilizes the lungs to capacity, and extracts great amounts of "life force" from the air.

Directions: Try this exercise sitting, standing and lying down.

1. Exhale deeply, contracting the belly.

2. Inhale slowly as you expand the abdomen.

3. Continue inhaling as you expand the chest.

4. Continue inhaling as you raise the shoulders up towards your ears.

5. Hold for a few comfortable seconds

6. Exhale in reverse pattern, slowly. Release shoulders, relax chest, contract the belly.

7. Repeat.

This exercise will require gentle practice in order that inhalation and exhalation be smooth and balanced. Beginners should only do it 2 or 3 times continuously.

From: The Wellness Workbook. Travis, MD & Ryan; Ten Speed Press, 1988

Self Help Magazine

Lymphedema Stages and Exercises

Exercises with Stage 1

In this stage you are able to participate in just about any and all exercises. The only ones to be concerned with are high impact ones. Also, parachuting, hang-gliding and bungee jumping are definitely out (unless you are slightly jaded like I am, there probably is no need to warn about these).

Exercises with Stage 2

Stretch exercises - flexion, extension, abduction, rotation. The all include movements of the arms toward and away from you body, arms across your chest, behind your head and back.

Walking, Hiking, Jogging Swimming, Canoeing, Rowing Bowling, Archery, Bicycling Dancing, Sailing, Scuba Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Judo Sailing, Frisbee, Fencing Jogging, Skiiing, Shooting

What was that about being limited? This is only a partial list too.

Exercises with Stage 3

See the above - yes, even in stage 3 you can participate in all of the above sports. You may just have to modify how much and how long. It wasn't until the I had the lymphomas that greatly complicated my life that I finally had to eliminate those that put a higher amount of strain on my legs.

The rationale behind doing mild exercise is that muscle contractions, especially in the calf and arm, help to promote lymph flow to veins in the neck region where it returns to the blood circulation. Exercise also helps the proteins in lymph fluid to be reabsorbed. Both result in a lesser severity of lymphedema.

Although there is no consensus on the type of exercise regimen for people with lymphedema, all schools of thought agree that exercise is a necessary part of healing and that it should be tailored to each patient's needs and abilities. In general, it has been suggested that a monitored, progressive exercise program, in which a person slowly builds up their stamina and strength is far better than a strenuous one, no matter what the patient's previous athletic history. High speed activities such as golf, tennis, jogging or hiking at high altitudes are not suggested as they may actually increase lymphedema. Activities such as walking, swimming, light weights or cycling, in contrast are generally safe. For people with severe lymphedema who have a difficult time moving, even breathing enhances the pumping of lymph in the chest region. Deep breathing exercises such as mild yoga may be especially helpful to promote both relaxation and decrease lymph load.