If you or someone you care about suffers from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), you're aware of every breath. Here you can listen to and download simple, easy-to-follow breathing exercises that may help improve your health, your mind, and engage your spirit.
The principles used in the Basic Breathing program focus your full attention on the sensations of breathing. Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, a respected leader in the field of aging, will guide you through these quick, low-impact breathing exercises that can be done any time of the day, no matter where you are.
PLEASE NOTE: This program has not been studied in patients with PAH. Basic Breathing program exercises are not intended to replace any prescribed medication. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.
Meet Dr Khalsa
The mindful breathing exercises available on this website were developed by Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD who has been practicing yoga and meditation for four decades.
Dr. Dharma graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1975 and received his postgraduate training in anesthesiology at the University of California, San Francisco, where he was chief resident. Since 1993, he has been the President and Medical Director of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation in Tucson, Arizona. In March 2015, Dr. Dharma was appointed Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque. Dr. Dharma is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management, and he is a diplomate of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.
Download free Basic Breathing program exercises
It only takes 5 minutes to help you relax and sharpen your mind. For the full Basic Breathing program session, Dr. Khalsa will guide you through an easy-to-learn program of relaxation techniques, correct posture, and breathing exercises specially designed to get you ready for your day.
Sometimes, you just need to stop, relax, and regroup. This bonus Basic Breathing program session was created by Dr. Khalsa to help you regain focus and control your breathing at any time during the day.
It can decrease anxiety and stress
Studies have shown that meditation and yoga programs including breathing exercises may reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic.
—Pulmonary Hypertension —Association website
(Accessed February 18, 2016)
It can improve attention and mood
Breathing exercises have long been used to help attain better attention and a more balanced and positive state of mind, and modern clinical studies have confirmed these benefits.
—Pulmonary Hypertension —Association website
(Accessed February 18, 2016)
It can reduce pain
Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of meditation, relaxation, and conscious breathing on chronic pain. In a study conducted by Wake Forest University, a meditation program including breathing exercises lessened pain intensity by 40% compared to rest alone.
PLEASE NOTE: This program has not been studied in patients with PAH. Basic Breathing program exercises are not intended to replace any prescribed medication. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.
Additional resources
Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)
PHA is a leading community-based organization for patients with PAH. Its mission is to find ways to prevent and cure PAH, while providing hope to the community of affected individuals.
The PAH Initiative (PAH-I), sponsored by United Therapeutics, aims to improve the care of people living with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by providing education that encourages patients to speak with their doctors so that they may receive the right treatment at the right time. United Therapeutics is proud to sponsor the PAH-I and will work to establish the PAH Initiative as a trusted resource for the PAH community.
