In today’s world air pollution is a problem for all of us. Atmospheric pollutants can play havoc with our overall health when it accumulates in the air in high enough concentrations. A significant increase in pollutants is commonly associated with:
• Increase in upper respiratory tract infections
• Asthma and associated problems
• Nasal inflammation and allergic conditions
The following is a set of simple breathing exercises which considerably reduces the above symptoms by dramatically opening the chest and lungs.
The exercises are safe for all ages and work especially well for children who will benefit from practicing them on a regular basis.
They can be done standing, sitting on a chair or on the floor with a slight elevation like a bolster.
It is essential that the spine is upright and the chest is elevated
Inhalation is done through the nostrils and exhalation through the mouth with a gentle blowing out action. Care must be taken not to blow out too hard to avoid hyper ventilation.
BIG V
• Bring arms forward to shoulders level keeping fingers soft and elbows slightly bent
• Taking an inhale through the nostrils lift the arms up to make a big V shape in a circular motion elevating the chest
• Bring the arms down on the inhale
• Repeat for 6 to 10 times and rest for a few seconds
V-DOWN
• Taking the arms into a big V shape take an inhalation by lifting the chest
• Exhale through the mouth and bring the arms strongly down towards the floor
• Inhale to take the arms up again
• Repeat for 6-10 breaths
• Bring the arms down and rest for a few seconds
NAMASTE UP AND DOWN
• Sitting straight bring the arms to a Namaste action
• With an inhalation squeeze the elbows together taking them up down lifting the chest
• Exhale to bring the arms strongly back to Namaste position
• Inhale and take the arms up as explained
• Repeat for 6 to 10 breaths
• Reverse the same action – taking the arms up in a circular motion on an inhale breathing through the nostrils
• With an exhale through the mouth bring the arms down strongly squeezing the elbows together to a Namaste action
• Repeat for 6 to 10 breaths and rest for a few seconds
HEART OPEN
• Bring arms forward to chest level with fingers and elbows relaxed and take an inhale through the nostrils
• With a strong exhale though the mouth open the arms to the side broadening the chest and lungs
• Inhale and bring the arms forward again
• Repeat for 6 to 10 breaths
• Drop the arms down to relax
ARMS OVER
• Bring the arms forward to chest level keeping elbows and fingers soft take an inhale through the nostrils
• Exhale and strongly take your arms up and behind the ears
• Inhale and bring the arms forward again
• Repeat for 6 to 10 breaths and rest
Very useful videos with clear instructions. Thanks for posting