What does abdominal breathing feel like?

Breathing is a normal physiological phenomenon of human beings and also an important way to maintain health. Every breath a person takes carries the energy of life. Scientists have found that the average human lung is the size of two footballs, but most people only use one-third of their capacity in their lifetime. Whether in developed or developing countries, at least half of the urban population does not breathe properly. Let’s take a quick look at what abdominal breathing feels like.

1. The subtle difference between reverse breathing and forward breathing: Breathing only involves the lower abdominal muscles, that is, the pubic area just below the navel. Gently contract the muscles in this area as you inhale, and relax as you exhale. Breathing in this manner becomes gentle, occupying only about half of the lungs' capacity. Gently press the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth.

2. When inhaling, expand your abdomen as much as possible and keep your chest still; when exhaling, contract your abdomen as much as possible and keep your chest still.

3. Breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Your breathing should be deep, long and slow.

4. Keep each breath in to about 15 seconds. That is, take a deep breath (puff up the belly) for 3-5 seconds, hold your breath for 1 second, then exhale slowly (retract the belly) for 3-5 seconds, and hold your breath for 1 second.

5. 5-15 minutes each time. 30 minutes is best.

6. Don't be nervous or force yourself during the breathing process. If you are a beginner, you should pay more attention to the practice process and its impact on the body. When inhaling, feel the breath begin to pass through the nasal cavity and throat and be fully concentrated in the lungs. When the lung volume gradually increases while the chest cage remains motionless, the diaphragm will be forced to sink and the abdomen will slightly bulge outward; when exhaling, the abdomen will be retracted inward and the diaphragm will be lifted upward, allowing a large amount of turbid air to be exhaled out of the body.

7. For people in good health, the breath-holding time can be extended, and the breathing rhythm should be slowed down and deepened as much as possible. People with poor health do not have to hold their breath, but they must take a full breath. Practice 1-2 times a day, sitting, lying, walking or running, until you feel slightly warm and sweaty. Try to inflate and retract your abdomen 50-100 times. If saliva comes out of your mouth during breathing, swallow it slowly.

8. Expand lung capacity and improve cardiopulmonary function. It can expand the chest cavity to the maximum extent, allowing the alveoli in the lower lungs to expand and contract, allowing more oxygen to enter the lungs and improving cardiopulmonary function. It increases the power of the digestive system, thereby enhancing and activating its functions, which helps to eliminate toxins accumulated in the intestines and release internal stress. Reduce lung infections, especially the possibility of pneumonia.

The above is a simple and detailed explanation of the feeling of abdominal breathing. Learning to breathe can effectively increase the body's oxygen supply, purify the blood, and make the lung tissue stronger. This way we can better resist colds and other respiratory diseases; at the same time, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles are also exercised during breathing.