4/3/2020 Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises & Techniques

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Diaphragmatic Breathing
The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the
base of the lungs. Diaphragmatic breathing is meant to help
you use the diaphragm correctly while breathing. Bene ts of
diaphragmatic breathing are discussed.

What is the Diaphragm?

The diaphragm is the most e cient muscle of breathing. It is a large,
dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs. Your abdominal
muscles help move the diaphragm and give you more power to empty your
lungs. But chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may prevent the
diaphragm from working effectively.

When you have COPD, air often becomes trapped in the lungs, pushing
down on the diaphragm. The neck and chest muscles must then assume
an increased share of the work of breathing. This can leave the diaphragm
weakened and attened, causing it to work less e ciently.

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Diaphragmatic breathing is intended to help you use the diaphragm

correctly while breathing to:

Strengthen the diaphragm

Decrease the work of breathing by slowing your breathing rate
Decrease oxygen demand
Use less effort and energy to breathe

Diaphragmatic breathing technique

Lie on your back on a at surface or in bed, with your knees bent and your
head supported. You can use a pillow under your knees to support your
legs. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib
cage. This will allow you to feel your diaphragm move as you breathe.

Breathe in slowly through your nose so that your stomach moves out
against your hand. The hand on your chest should remain as still as
possible.

Tighten your stomach muscles, letting them fall inward as you exhale
through pursed lips (see "Pursed Lip Breathing Technique"). The hand on
your upper chest must remain as still as possible.

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When you rst learn the diaphragmatic breathing technique, it may be

easier for you to follow the instructions lying down, as shown above. As
you gain more practice, you can try the diaphragmatic breathing technique
while sitting in a chair, as shown below.

To perform this exercise while sitting in a chair:

1. Sit comfortably, with your knees bent and your shoulders, head and
neck relaxed.
2. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib
cage. This will allow you to feel your diaphragm move as you breathe.
3. Breathe in slowly through your nose so that your stomach moves out
against your hand. The hand on your chest should remain as still as
possible.
4. Tighten your stomach muscles, letting them fall inward as you exhale
through pursed lips. The hand on your upper chest must remain as
still as possible.

Note: You may notice an increased effort will be needed to use the
diaphragm correctly. At rst, you'll probably get tired while doing this
exercise. But keep at it, because with continued practice, diaphragmatic
breathing will become easy and automatic.

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How often should I practice this exercise?

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At rst, practice this exercise 5-10 minutes about 3-4 times per day.
Gradually increase the amount of time you spend doing this exercise, and
perhaps even increase the effort of the exercise by placing a book on your
abdomen.

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Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/14/2018.

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Related Health Information

COPD Overview

COPD Resources

COPD Glossary of Terms

How Your Lungs Work

Preventing Respiratory Infection and Avoiding Irritants

Understanding COPD

When to Call the Doctor About Your COPD Symptoms

COPD Treatment Links

Anti-In ammatory Medications for COPD

Combination Agents for COPD

Controlled Coughing

COPD Medication Guidelines

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Fast Acting Bronchodilators for COPD

Leukotriene Modi ers for COPD

Positions to Reduce Shortness of Breath

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Is it for You?

Pursed Lip Breathing

Theophylline Agents

Using Inhaled Medications

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