How to Breathe With Pursed Lips

Breathing exercises, such as pursed-lip breathing, can be used during difficult or strenuous activities such as lifting a heavy object or when climbing stairs. Individuals suffering from respiratory disorders including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, can benefit from pursed-lip breathing. This breathing technique prolongs your exhalation, which slows your breathing rate. It also helps move the old air out of your lungs so the new, fresh air can enter. Pursed-lip breathing can also help alleviate shortness of breath and may help you relax after a long day.

Instructions

• 1

  Relax your neck and shoulder muscles. Roll your shoulders front to back three times to loosen these muscles. Relaxation is very important, particularly when you are experiencing shortness of breath. As you are relaxing your muscles, takes slow, deep breaths.

• 2

  Breathe in slowly through your nose to the count of "one birthday," "two birthday," keeping your mouth closed. Don't take a deep breath, just breathe in normally.

• 3

  Pucker or "purse" your lips as if you were going to blow out a candle. Breathe out slowly and gently through your pursed lips while counting "one birthday," "two birthday," "three birthday," or until you feel as though you have gently emptied your lungs.

• 4

  Repeat this process until you no longer feel short of breath or until your breathing rate feels comfortable again. Pursed-lip breathing will keep your airways open longer, which enables your body to better utilize the oxygen you are breathing in. This technique also decreases your work of breathing.