The diaphragm is the main muscle for breathing — a dome-shaped muscle sitting just beneath your lungs, separating your chest from your abdomen.
On the inhale, the diaphragm contracts down and descends into the abdominal cavity. The ribcage moves out, creating space in the chest. The lungs expand. The air pressure inside the lungs decreases below the air pressure outside the body. Air rushes into your lungs — because air always moves from higher pressure to lower pressure.
On the exhale, the opposite happens. The diaphragm relaxes up. The ribcage closes down. The lungs shrink. Air rushes out.
This up-and-down movement happens with every breath you take. About 22,000 times a day. Incredible, right?
Let’s go back to the diaphragm moving down into the abdominal cavity during inhalation. This movement creates intra-abdominal pressure, stabilizing the body, supporting the spine and pelvis.
That’s why we instinctively inhale and hold our breath when lifting something heavy.
And here’s a key point:
Nasal breathing makes diaphragmatic breathing easier.
Another reason — one of the 30+ — to keep your mouth closed and breathe through your nose.
Breathing is essential. It's powerful. And it’s worth every effort to breathe better!
Stay healthy, stay happy.