Buteyko Breathing Method Nose Unblocking Exercise

A blocked nose is a common occurrence. Following this simple selection of directions is a very useful exercise to unblock a congested nose.

  • • Sit upright on a straight-backed chair.
  • • Take a small, light breath in through your nose if you can and a small breath out through your nose. If you are unable to inhale through your nose, take a tiny breath in through the corner of your mouth.
  • • After exhaling, pinch your nose and hold your breath. Keep your lips sealed.
  • Gently nod your head or rock your body until you feel that you cannot hold your breath for any longer. You should feel a relatively strong need for air.
  • • At this point, let go of your nose, and breathe in gently through it. Breathe gently in and out with your mouth closed. When you first breathe in, try to avoid taking a deep breath. Instead, keep your breathing calm and focus on relaxation. Use the mantra; ‘Relax and breathe less’, if it helps.
  • • Repeat the exercise until you can breathe clearly through your nose. If your nose does not become fully unblocked, wait around one minute and practice the same steps again. You may need to do the exercise up to five times.

Please note: holding the breath to generate a strong hunger for air is not suitable during pregnancy or if you have serious medical conditions.