Paper Blowing

Here again, we are applying the principle of Pursed Lip Breathing.

Method

Step 1: Take a piece of paper in your hand.

Step 2: Hold the paper a little firmly, from the top, in front of your face, with your thumb on one side of the paper and the index finger on the other.

Step 3: The paper should be a foot away from your face.

Step 4: Inhale and while exhaling, use the pursed lip breathing technique, along with abdominal pull, to blow at the paper.

Step 5: Blow the paper as far away from you, as possible.

Note: Do not strain the back of the neck during the process of exhalation. Maintain the neutral position of the neck.

Frequency: This should be practiced 3-5 times per attempt and 2-3 times a day.

Benefits

For Respiratory Problem (Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD, Obstructive Sleep Apnea)

  • This practice does improve ventilation of the lungs.
  • The air gets trapped in the lungs in case of asthma patients. This practice helps release the trapped air.
  • Longer exhalation activates parasympathetic nervous system and relaxes you.
  • Longer exhalation helps empty the stale air from the lungs thereby allowing new air to enter the lungs. It also makes the inhalation, that follows, better.

Ease of Practice: Can be practiced anytime and anywhere

Contraindications

  • Do not practice after a heavy meal
  • Do not force inhalation & exhalation. Maintain a natural rhythm
  • One diagnosed with COPD should not breathe too deeply