What is Diaphragmatic Breathing?
Diaphragmatic breathing is also referred to as abdominal breathing, deep breathing, orbelly breathing.
Diaphragmatic breathing involves breathing with your stomach, rather than breathing with your chest. During diaphragmatic breathing, you purposely use your diaphragm to take deep breaths.
What is the Diaphragm?
It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of your lungs. The diaphragm is the most efficient muscle for breathing. Normally people breathe into their chest and do not use their lungs to their full capacity. Diaphragmatic breathing allows you to use your lungs a a greater capacity to increase lung efficiency
How Does Diaphragmatic Breathing Help?
Diaphragmatic breathing is a self-regulation technique that can help manage reactions to strong emotions. It can also help
- Lower heart rate
- Reduce muscle tension
- Increase energy and motivation
- Improve concentration
- Activates the body’s relaxation response
Things to Remember
Similar to other coping skills, diaphragmatic breathing requires practice and becomes easier over time.
A coping strategy that works for you may not work for others–and vice versa.
Since this coping skill involves breathing and your lungs–If you have a condition like COPD, asthma or anxiety, talk to your provider to see if diaphragmatic breathing is right for you.
Resources:
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Anxiety Skills #12
Diaphragmatic Breathing Demonstration from Michigan Medicine
Diaphragmatic Breathing/Belly Breathing Infograph via @DRManshadiRamin on Twitter
Resources:
Diaphragm and lungs: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Anxiety Skills #12
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises & Benefits
Diaphragmatic Breathing| Michigan Medicine
@DRManshadiRamin-Infrograph
