How do you breathe through your belly?

As a respiratory expert, I can guide you through the process of belly breathing, which is also known as diaphragmatic breathing. This type of breathing is beneficial for relaxation and can help with various respiratory conditions. Here's how you can practice it: 1. Find a comfortable position where you can sit or lie down without any strain. 2. Place one hand on your abdomen just below your ribcage and the other on your chest. 3. Begin to breathe slowly and gently through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise as you inhale. Your hand on your stomach should move upward while the hand on your chest should remain as still as possible, indicating that you are not using your chest muscles for breathing. 4. Inhale until you feel your abdomen fully rise and you cannot comfortably take in more air. Avoid the tendency to overfill your lungs. 5. Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose, and as you do so, gently tighten your stomach muscles to help push out the air. This step is crucial as it ensures that you are fully emptying your lungs. 6. Repeat this process, maintaining a slow and steady rhythm. It's not necessary to count the breaths, but focus on making each one deep and full. Remember, the goal of belly breathing is to engage the diaphragm and allow for deeper, more efficient breaths. It may take some practice to get the hang of it, but with time, it can become a natural and calming part of your daily routine.

You should inhale into your abdomen, so the hand on your stomach moves upward while the hand on your chest remains as still as possible. You do not need to count, but you should inhale until you cannot comfortably take in more air. Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose. As you exhale, tighten your stomach muscles.