One goal for patients with COPD may be to lengthen their exhales. According to Yoga Chicago, COPD patients tend to cut short exhalation and rush to take in more air — which may make breathlessness even worse. In this yoga pose, lean slightly forward and slowly blow out through pursed lips as if blowing a kiss or cooling hot soup in a bowl. Pursed-lip breathing may slow the breathing process down and help empty the lungs. Count while exhaling and inhaling may help — inhale for a count of three or four and exhale for the same count. Over time, increase this count to six or eight.
