09-12-2025, 11:46 PM
If you ever struggle to access oxygen in hospitals or cannot afford it, there’s an old technique worth remembering: Postural Drainage.
This method helps ease breathing problems caused by excess mucus in the lungs. By lying in specific positions, gravity assists in draining mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe. Though it has become less common with modern ventilators and machines, it can still be helpful, especially in emergencies.
How it helps:
a. Clears mucus from the lungs
b. Makes breathing easier
c. Supports recovery during respiratory infections
How to practice:
a. Inhale and exhale slowly while in the recommended position
b. Stay in position for 15–20 minutes
c. Repeat 2–3 times daily as needed
d. Do not practice right after eating
History: During a flu outbreak in 1976, a nursing home in Vietnam reportedly used this method consistently for elderly residents. Remarkably, they had fewer deaths compared to other homes that didn’t apply it.
Note: Postural drainage is not a replacement for medical care or oxygen therapy if you are severely short of breath. It is a supportive technique that may help until proper treatment is available.
This method helps ease breathing problems caused by excess mucus in the lungs. By lying in specific positions, gravity assists in draining mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe. Though it has become less common with modern ventilators and machines, it can still be helpful, especially in emergencies.
How it helps:
a. Clears mucus from the lungs
b. Makes breathing easier
c. Supports recovery during respiratory infections
How to practice:
a. Inhale and exhale slowly while in the recommended position
b. Stay in position for 15–20 minutes
c. Repeat 2–3 times daily as needed
d. Do not practice right after eating
History: During a flu outbreak in 1976, a nursing home in Vietnam reportedly used this method consistently for elderly residents. Remarkably, they had fewer deaths compared to other homes that didn’t apply it.
Note: Postural drainage is not a replacement for medical care or oxygen therapy if you are severely short of breath. It is a supportive technique that may help until proper treatment is available.