Abdominal Breathing

The lung's lower regions are the most distant from your windpipe, and the most dependent on the breathing activity of the diaphragm. As a result, the lung's lower regions are the most likely areas to suffer disuse. This exercise is designed to bring air to these underused areas of the lungs.

On top of our navel area and our stomach muscles, lies the diaphragm and this is where the lungs sit. So as one expands the abdomen, the diaphragm drops, pumping air to the bottom of the lungs. If the diaphragm muscle is squeezed, the abdomen contracts, the lung is squeezed upward and stale air is forced out of the lungs.

Lying down on your back, place both hands over the lower abdomen, focusing approximately two inches below the navel. Inhale and extend the abdomen as far as possible (at this stage the chest should be relaxed and not moving), hold your breath for a count of four seconds. Commence a controlled exhale through the mouth over a count of six seconds, as you squeeze in the abdominal muscles as far as possible, to expel all the air. Hold your breath for four seconds before inhaling again. You should feel your hands rise and fall with each breath.

This exercise should be practiced for half an hour each day until deep diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing is automatic. An option with this exercise is to have the feet raised slightly above the level of the body.

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Hope you find this beneficial.
Brian