Decongest the right rib cage region.

Caution: Breathing exercises presented here are not for people with osteoporosis, osteopenia, or fragile bones. If you have a history of tumors, pneumothorax, or hemothorax, you will need to seek medical advice and/or supervision prior to performing any breathing exercises.

Purpose: To squeeze air and fluid out of the right rib cage region.

Schedule: Perform Breathing Exercise Stages 1 - 3 together in one session.

Start: Begin by sitting down in a comfortable, upright position with your feet placed firmly on the ground.

Step 1: Place your left and right hands as follows:

Left Hand: Fingers firmly on the lowest rib, and push downward.
Right Hand: Fingers underneath lower edge of ribcage, and push inward.

Step 2: Bend your torso forward so that your right hand is supported by your right thigh. Place a pillow or a cushion on your thighs if you have difficulty bending far enough or just need the extra support.

Step 3: Breathe in and out 5 times, making each exhalation longer than the last.

Step 4: In the same bent position, side-bend your torso to the right.

Step 5: Breathe in and out 5 times, making each exhalation longer than the last.

Step 6: Try to move the fingers of your right hand a little deeper into the tissues below your lowest rib and move your left hand to the next rib up.

End: Repeat Steps 2 – 6 until you reach your highest rib.

Observe: Breathe a few times, and you will notice that you are able to exhale better, which improves breathing efficiency and decongests your chest area.

Progress: Continue on to Breathing Exercise Stage 3.