How to release the pressure on your diaphragm?

Caution : You must consult your doctor for your health. This page presents only a personal and alternative point of view which should not be considered as an attempt to prescribe medicine.

Knowledge of the diaphragm, its role and operation are still unknown to the general public.

However, it is a very important organ that should not be neglected because it is a key to well-being.

What is the diaphragm?

This is called a musculotendinous "septum" between the abdominal cavity and the chest cavity.

The diaphragm is a muscle that is very large, flattened and has an arch shape.

He is the main architect of the inspiration produced by breathing.

Indeed, it is he who will contract and relax to bring in oxygen and release carbon dioxide from our body.

How it works is simple: on inspiration it contracts, then lowers and flattens out.

The intercostal muscles move the ribs upward which pushes the breastbone forward and raises the rib cage.

The pressure inside the chest decreases, which calls for air out and allows air to enter the lungs.

When it comes to exhaling, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax.

The rib cage therefore lowers its volume decreases increasing its internal pressure.

The lungs retract and the air has no choice but to escape.

Why is there pressure on the diaphragm?

As it is at the center of the phenomenon of respiration, which allows us to live, this organ is subject to problems which alter its functioning.

Sometimes you feel pressure in the solar plexus, that is, just below the breastbone.

This is due to a maintained tension in the diaphragm.

When you are stressed, it tends to contract, causing this feeling of pressure.

When you hiccup or stop sobbing, you talk about an involuntary sudden contraction of the breathing muscle, which is similar to spasms.

Let's see the origins of these unpleasant moments:

• Chronic stress
• Poor general posture or held for too long (sitting at work for example)
• An emotional shock
• A physical blow (on the plexus, on the back)
• The cold
• A position of the organs and potentially their fall (ptosis)
• A muscle that is not toned enough
• A specific physical activity (apnea)

How to unblock the diaphragm and release a cramp?

When the diaphragm is contracted, it tends to stay that way.

This is when a vicious circle is set in motion as tension in this part of the body generates stress, which in turn reinforces this pressure.

If this organ becomes blocked, consequences such as a tightening of the plexus, more difficult breathing or a hunched back may appear.

Releasing the pressure on this muscle is therefore something important and not to be overlooked.

Work on breathing is therefore necessary to relax the organ and make it work properly.

You have to start by paying attention to the way you breathe.

Does your belly swell when inhaling?

Is there a long enough breath on the exhale?

Observation will allow you to see if your breathing is out of order or not.

Loris Vitry, breathing coach and yoga therapist, has developed a free video workshop which explains the important role of breathing for health.

There, he explains, using examples and exercises, how to free his diaphragm and improve his well-being.

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