Look at a sleeping baby. Its belly rises and falls with every breath. The chest barely moves. This is natural, healthy breathing. Now look at yourself. You suck in your stomach ("to look thinner") and breathe with the upper chest, raising your shoulders. This "stressful" breathing sends a continuous signal of threat to your brain. It's time to return to nature.
Why is the Diaphragm Key?
The diaphragm is a large muscle separating the chest from the abdomen.
- Organ Massage: The movement of the diaphragm massages the liver, stomach, and intestines, improving digestion.
- Vagus Nerve: It passes through the diaphragm. Calm movement of this muscle stimulates the vagus nerve, engaging the relaxation mode.
- Efficiency: The lower lobes of the lungs are better supplied with blood. Diaphragmatic breathing delivers more oxygen with less effort.
Scientific Sources:
- Belisa Vranich, "Breathe: The Simple, Revolutionary 14-Day Program to Improve Your Mental and Physical Health".