THE DIAPHRAGM & BREATH
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle at the base of and connected to the lower rib cage. The diaphragm dome spans both sides of the rib cage.
Our main digestive organs are right below our diaphragm: our stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
During exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and is domed upwards.
During inhale, the diaphragm contracts, causing it to expand and flatten downwards.
How to breathe from your diaphragm:
- Place one hand on your stomach above your belly button
- As you inhale, allow your belly to expand. This will push the hand in contact with your stomach outward and farther away from the spine.
- Inhale to maximum capacity.
- As you exhale, keep your hand in contact with your stomach. The more you exhale, the closer your hand will come toward your spine.
- Use your abdominal muscles to assist you in completely exhaling
- Repeat this 10x AM and PM
Exercising the diaphragm massages the digestive organs. It gives the organs below room to move and adjust, allowing for peak digestive function and wellness.
Hiccups are muscle spasms of the diaphragm muscle caused by dehydration and stress. Drink a glass of water and try this myofascial release technique to relax the diaphragm and end the spasm. Take ten slow belly breaths.