A simple action to keep your diaphragm working properly

Your diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for breathing. Like any other muscle, it contracts and can be controlled voluntarily. Maintaining tonicity in your diaphragm is essential for it to contract properly, moving downward during inhalation and returning to its resting position easily during exhalation. This allows for proper lung expansion and continuous visceral massage. Full diaphragmatic breathing exercises your diaphragm, but what’s the correct way to practice it?

There’s an ongoing debate in the yoga community about whether breathing should move from the chest to the belly or from the belly to the chest. However, there is one action that is even more crucial for optimal lung function and effective diaphragmatic breathing. Try this simple technique to help your diaphragm function properly. You can easily incorporate it into your yoga practice or daily routine.

Check out this cool video that demonstrates the movement of the diaphragm from every angle. Pay particular attention to the movement of the ribcage throughout the breath cycle – this is the action we are trying to support.