Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing helps maintain a relaxed attitude and healthy body. It is thought that by breathing deeply, and using the diaphragm, that it massages the internal organs.

Breathing can affect our state of mind – making us calm and relaxed or stressed and excited.

Many people breathe from their chest in short breaths. When you feel stressed or in a panic your breathing becomes shallower and faster. Diaphragmatic breathing is slow and deep, which is the exact opposite, and helps you to calm down.

By altering the way we breathe we can create different feelings in our bodies.

When breathing long, deep breaths we create a relaxed state in our bodies. Deep breathing exercises get more oxygen into the body and releases physical tension.

The Technique:

1. Place one hand on your stomach and one on your chest. This will ensure that you are breathing deeply from your abdomen.

2. Take a deep breath – Breathe in slowly, expand the abdomen first, then the ribcage, and finally the upper portion of the lungs. The idea is to expand your abdomen with air before you fill your ribcage and lungs.

3. Exhale through the mouth and breathe in through your nose. Breathe in slowly, hold your breath for 4-5 seconds, then breathe out slowly. Do not breathe quickly. Take your time and try to make the in and out breathe for an equal amount of time.

Continue deep breathing until you feel relaxed and calm. It is an excellent technique to use before a meditation.