For healthy lungs... try these simple exercises for your health.

Arab Sea Newspaper - Special

**Arab Gulf - Follow-ups:** **Healthy lungs are the foundation of good health, but we often neglect them until symptoms appear.** **Incorporating simple breathing exercises into your daily routine can help maintain the strength and function of your lungs.** **In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care and Pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said: "Breathing exercises are an easy, free, and effective way to boost your respiratory system, increase the amount of oxygen you receive, and keep your lung capacity in the best possible condition."** **Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover also explained breathing exercises that can be done at home:** **Diaphragmatic Breathing** **Also called abdominal breathing, it engages the diaphragm to increase the efficiency of inhalation.** **Sit or lie down and place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest, then breathe deeply through your nose so that your stomach rises.** **Exhale slowly with pursed lips. Repeat this exercise for 5-10 minutes daily to improve lung efficiency and reduce shortness of breath.** **Pursed-Lip Breathing** **This method helps keep the airways open longer, making it easier for air to enter and exit.** **Inhale slowly through your nose for two counts, then purse your lips as if you were blowing out a candle, and exhale for four counts.** **This method is especially helpful for people with COPD or asthma and can be used during physical activity to control breathing.** **Equal Breathing** **This exercise, inspired by yoga, balances the time of inhalation and exhalation, leading to calm and steady breathing.** **Inhale through your nose for four counts, then exhale through your nose for the same count. You can gradually increase the counts to six or eight to improve lung capacity and relieve tension.** **Rib Stretch** **This exercise opens your chest cavity and increases the flexibility of your lungs. Stand or sit up straight, exhale deeply, then inhale slowly, filling your lungs as much as possible.** **Hold your breath for 10-15 seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat three times to facilitate overall lung expansion.** **Humming Breath** **Breathe deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly with a gentle hum. This vibration relaxes the airway muscles, improves airflow, and relieves tension, making it a great option for lung health and mood enhancement.**