3 breathing exercises that are great for your lungs you should know

Some very easy breathing exercises can help detoxify your lungs, promoting a healthier respiratory system .

According to India Times, breathing is a powerful, all-natural way to improve respiratory function, lung capacity, and lung health. You can promote a healthier respiratory system, relieve nasal congestion, and reduce stress by incorporating these breathing techniques into your daily practice.

Your lungs can be healthier with some proper breathing exercises. (Photo illustration: Yogshala).

Here are some effective breathing techniques to improve your breathing and protect your lungs.

Anulom vilom (Alternate nostril breathing)

This ancient technique helps balance the left and right hemispheres of your brain and promotes emotional stability and clarity in your body. Start by closing your right nostril with your thumb and inhaling deeply through your left nostril. Then switch, closing your left nostril and exhaling through your right. Repeat this cycle for about 8 minutes.

As you do this exercise, visualize yourself taking in positive things with each inhale and releasing all negative things with each exhale. This practice will strengthen your respiratory system.

Diaphragmatic breathing (Abdominal breathing)

Diaphragmatic breathing is a basic practice that engages the diaphragm, promoting relaxation by stimulating the vagus nerve. This, in turn, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the body's stress response.

This method slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure and clears the lungs.

How to do:

• Sit or lie comfortably, with one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen;
• Take a slow, deep breath through your nose, allowing your belly to expand while your chest remains relatively still;
• Exhale slowly through your mouth, noticing your belly deflating;
• Repeat for 5-10 minutes, maintaining a slow, steady pace.

4-7-8 breathing technique

The 4-7-8 breathing technique is designed to help people relax deeply. It works by focusing the mind and lengthening the exhalation, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system.

This practice helps reduce stress, promote better sleep, and improve overall lung health.

How to do:

• Sit or lie down in a comfortable position;
• Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose for a count of 4;
• Hold your breath for a count of 7;
• Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth for a count of 8, making a whistling sound;
• Repeat 4 cycles, increasing as needed.

Simple way to beat stress in 3 minutes

How to "psychological massage" to help you relieve stress in 5 minutes

Things to change when exercising in fall and winter