Work the Breath Muscle

The Diaphragm, the primary breathing muscle, is the only muscle that lies perpendicular to the spine in the body. When we don't use our diaphragm to breath we can end up with what I call a paralyzed diaphragm. A paralyzed diaphragm occurs when we use secondary breathing muscles like the commonly used pectorals,sterno-cleido mastoid and the scalene muscles. If one has a paralyzed diaphragm it is also likely that other primary breathing structures will be inhibited as well, such as the ribs. The rib muscles, tendons, cartilage and ligaments all move with every cycle of breath. It is important that every rib moves with expansion and contraction. Unresolved, intense past emotional experiences are one reason for breath distortions and can remain stuck in ones breathing cycle.

Exercise: Try bringing your attention to the place where the air is just entering your nose. This is the gate from the outer world to your inner world. As the air enters your body begin to track how it outlines your inner landscape or the space that is inside of you. Use your breath to find how each rib moves exploring the entire dimension of your rib cage with each breath: The front ribs, the side ribs and the back ribs. On inhalation, feel your ribs began to expand from the lower ribs first. Then like a ladder how each rib expands upward until you get to the very top of the rib cage at the base of the neck.