Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic Breathing:

Your diaphragm is the most important muscle for breathing and does most of the work.  This large, dome-shaped muscle is at the bottom of your lungs.  Abdominal muscles help move the diaphragm.  They can give you more power to better empty your lungs. Sometimes in COPD or other lung disease where air becomes trapped, your diaphram can become flattened and less efficient. Diaphragmatic breathing will help you strengthen it to decrease your work of breathing.

1. Lie on your back in a comfortable position, or in a recliner if you can’t lie flat.  You can use a pillow under your knees or head.  Place one hand flat on your upper chest and the other just above your navel.  You will be able to feel your diaphragm or chest move as you breathe.

2. Breathe in slowly through your nose and feel your stomach move out against your hand.  Keep your chest as still as possible.

3. Tighten your stomach muscles, pulling inward as you exhale. The hand on your chest should remain still.

At first it may take some effort to use the diaphragm correctly.  Start with 5 minutes several times a day.  Increase your time as tolerated to 12-15 minutes.  Soon, with practice, diaphragmatic breathing will become easy, automatic, and you can use it in any position.


See the following link for demonstration: