The Diaphragm is an incredibly important breathing muscle. In fact, the thoracic diaphragm is the main breathing muscle. The Diaphragm is a dome shaped muscle that attaches on the inside of the ribcage right underneath the lungs. The esophagus of the stomach travels through this structure. If the tension within the stomach and/or the pressure from above and below the diaphragm muscle are not adequate, then the opening sphincter of the stomach is pulled above the diaphragm creating a hiatal hernia.
Upon inhalation, the diaphragm muscle will (or is supposed to) flatten out and pull oxygen into the lungs as the abdomen will round out. Once the lungs are full of air, the pressure in the lungs compared to the pressure of the air around our body will make exhalation happen with ease (or at least it's supposed to). The diaphragm will then rise back to assume the dome shape position under the ribcage and the abdomen will flatten back out.
When you take a deep breath in, if your abdomen does not extend out, and instead your shoulders rise towards your ears, you are over using your secondary breathing muscles of your neck and under using your diaphragm. Overtime, these improper breathing mechanics can lead to complications such as neck pain, shoulder pain, and even lower back pain or restrictions in your organs (especially the STOMACH) from lack of movement during improper breathing- instead of your organs being pushed down as you inhale with your diaphragm, your organs will be pulled upwards when your neck muscles have to pull on your shoulders in order to fill your lungs with air.
In the easy to follow-along exercise video, Nichelle guides you through a routine to re-establish your proper breathing mechanics in an effective way, all while stretching out your abdomen which tends to get tight with excess amounts of sitting and/or digestion issues causing inflammation throughout the digestive tract. Ultimately, breathing properly can reduce acid reflux, improve digestion, and improve blood flow to the lower extremities.
It is recommended that you perform this video at least 3 times per week at first or at the end of every abdominal workout. It is also recommended that you book an appointment with your local manual osteopath for an assessment to correct any misalignments in your body that may be contributing to your improper diaphragm mechanics and/or tight, restricted abdominal muscles. If you live around Sudbury, Ontario, you can book an appointment online with Nichelle Thomson at www.heat-therapy.ca.
Introduction music credit goes to Miguel - Adorn (OFlynn Remix) from Spotify.
GENERAL DISCLAIMER
Nichelle Thomson of H.E.A.T. Therapy strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.
You should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in the exercise.
Nichelle Thomson of H.E.A.T. Therapy is not medical doctor and represents that it has no expertise in diagnosing medical conditions of any kind, or determining the effect of any specific exercise on a medical condition.
You should understand that when participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at you own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Nichelle Thomson of H.E.A.T. Therapy from any and all claims or cause of action, known or unknown, arising out of Nichelle Thomson of H.E.A.T. Therapy’s negligence.
