Breathing Exercises:

Here are some breathing exercises to help you retrain your body to intake oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide more effectively:
First, take in three maximum breaths inhaling from mouth. Next, take three maximum breaths through the nose and notice the difference. Now, inhale through the nose and exhale only through the nose. As you breathe, contract stomach muscles and increase the size of breath with each inspiration. Breathe until you have reached your lungs' full capacity. Try this both at rest, then practice during your walking or exercise program. If you have a difficult time nasal breathing or want to stimulate an involuntary response, place one drop of Peppermint essential oil into the hands, then touch your upper lip just below the nose.
Reference:
Douillard, J., Body, Mind, And Sport (New York: Three Rivers Press, 2001).
Article by Laura M. Turner:Laura M. Turner, M.S., CHHP is an author and certified holistic health practitioner through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Want to know how to use these principles to heal your life? Let Laura show you. You'll find all the answers in her latest book: Spiritual Fitness The 7-Steps to Living Well: http://www.beauty-and-body.com/Spiritual_Fitness_Info.htm.