By Ashley
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October 13, 2022
The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration, which is the number 1 priority of the body. Breathing is regulated and coordinated by the autonomic nervous system, however good breathing is not automatic. The body will adapt and compensate stability and movement to meet breathing demands. Diaphragm breathing facilitates the parasympathetic system, which supports the return of a restorative state of balance; whereas the sympathetic system of heightened alert and stimulus is an adaptation of shallow breathing. When the diaphragm is ineffective, the ancillary muscle overload of the scalene (neck muscle), sternocleidomastoid (neck muscle), upper trapezius and pectoral muscles falsely modify their role to convert their action to respiration, which develops new habitual motor patterning. The diaphragm also plays another key role of support and function; as our bodies integrate a multidimensional functional system. An example is the interrelationship of the diaphragm and psoas that embody a fascial link on the lumbar spine, that connects breathing to walking. The diaphragm creates an intra-abdominal pressure, which stabilizes the spine therefore unloading the compressive forces on the spine. This allows the psoas to flex the hip with its reciprocal partner the glutes to extend the hip to drive an open state of performance. Good breathing = baby breathing = belly breathing = diaphragmatic breathing.