Being able to breathe is kind of necessary! If you are having problems breathing, you need to first get evaluated so you know the cause of your difficulty in breathing – to rule out something serious.
Once that has been established, it may change how we manage it. However, there are some tips that can help a variety of breathing issues:
- First of all, deep breathing exercises. First thing in the morning and last thing at night before sleep, try this: breathe as deep as you can through your nose, allowing your abdomen and your lungs to fill and lift up as much as you can. Stop at the height of the breath for 2 seconds, then release the air slowly through your mouth. Do this 30 times. If you get lightheaded, stop, resume normal breathing, then continue. This can help expand your lungs and improve oxygenation to the blood.
- Take yoga, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong classes. All of these are great for general tonification of the body and improving strength, but especially the lungs. These exercises can also help you manage stress that can result in shallow or inconsistent breathing.
- Watch your posture. Leaning forward for many hours per day, with your shoulders rolled forward or slouching can impede full expansion of your lungs. Start paying attention to your posture: pull your shoulders back and straighten up your spine. Do it as often as you notice your posture.
- If you have allergies or live in a polluted environment, these may impair breathing. Get yourself tested for allergies and find out which environmental things you may be reacting to. Eliminate them as well as you can.
- Improve your diet. Foods that help the cardiovascular system can also help oxygenation. Foods like fish oils and beets can help oxygenate the blood. Foods that improve red blood cells that carry oxygen, include foods rich in Vitamin A, B12 and C, iron and folate. Dark green leafy veggies, berries, organ meats, fish, nuts, seeds and eggs contain lots of vital nutrients. It is also important to stay hydrated. Good water intake keeps the lungs moist, improves tissue resiliency, thins mucus secretions and keeps the membranes in good condition.
- Acupuncture is a method frequently used for breathing disorders such as COPD, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory flu, and sleep apnea. These, and more, are all commonly treated successfully either as a primary or secondary treatment option. Acupuncture can also help with anxiety and stress responses that may be contributing to difficulty breathing. Acupuncture can be quite effective in treating food and environmental allergies.
Not being able to breathe comfortably can be a scary thing. Try one or more of these tips. While medications may be life-saving in many instances, there is more you can do to help your lungs than just that.
©2023 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
