Take Care Of Your Breath - A Few Words About The Diaphragm

The diaphragm is the main breathing muscle in our body. It is located in the liver part of the ribs and separates the abdominal abdomen from the thoracic ribcage. This amazing structure, thanks to its location and numerous anatomical and fascial connections, affects practically the entire body. This is why physiotherapists love to talk about it and work with it.

Dysfunctions of the diaphragm can provoke: 

• pain in the lumbar, thoracic or cervical region
• disturbances in the work of the chest (disorders of breathing patterns)
• visceral dysfunctions (e.g. heartburn, reflux. The diaphragm affects the proper functioning of our organs) 
• vascular dysfunctions (e.g. edema. Diaphragm tension affects proper blood and lymph circulation) 
• body static disorder
• pelvic floor muscle dysfunction

The diaphragm is also strongly related to stress! All because of a strong connection with the Autonomic Nervous System. Abnormal diaphragm tension and poor breathing patterns can provoke increased stress responses. It also works the other way round - the lack of diaphragm dysfunction will make it easier for us to relax.

How can we take care of the diaphragm?

 Most of all by:

• breathing exercises
• physical activity (limiting sitting position)
• fighting stress (a lot of stress-related tension accumulates in the area of the diaphragm)
• regular visits to the physiotherapist (!)