Diaphragmatic Breathing

We’ve just finished the first weekend of the YOGA Teacher Training and after looking at the Respiratory System it’s a HUGE reminder of how IMPORTANT our breathing is.

Our breathing affects every system in our body.

• Respiratory
• Cardiovascular
• Neurological
• Gastrointestinal
• Muscular
• Psychic systems and also has a general effect on our
  • Sleep
  • Memory
  • Energy levels
  • Concentration

Source: Donna Farhi

The Diaphragm needs space to expand and allow full breaths…

If we are continually sitting, working at computers/desks, driving, compressing our bodies in a hunched posture, sucking our belly in, wearing tight and restrictive clothing, chronic pressure or stress in our body/mind, these factors have an adverse impact on the fullness of our diaphragm to allow full breaths through our middle body.

Think about having space to breathe full and deep and any time you get the chance, take some slower, deeper breaths to open your middle body. Take time to also stretch out your body with gentle movements with side body stretches to open and aide in your breathing capacity;

• strengthen
• lengthen
• deepen your breaths.

To have unrestricted breaths is so important for our overall well-being and health. The internal organs within the abdominal cavity also receive a visceral massage aiding digestion and elimination processes too.