Two Methods of Breathing

There are two principal methods of breathing – Chest and Diaphragmatic Breathing. The curved line represents the diaphragm, the broad muscle which separates the heart and lungs from the abdominal organs. When this muscle contracts – moving downward – it produces suction within the chest cavity which causes an inflow of air into the lungs (inhalation). When the diaphragm
rises, air is forced out of the lungs (exhalation). The alternate rise and fall of this muscle produces a corresponding movement of the abdominal organs causing the abdomen to expand and contract. This produces an alternate high and low pressure within the abdominal cavity. Diaphragmatic breathing is the proper method of tranquil breathing and may be termed normal breathing. This is the way babies and children naturally breathe.
Chest Breathing
It may seem strange that breathing – which we do our whole lives – could be done incorrectly. We can observe few people breathe diaphragmatically all the time. Instead, they usually breathe by the chest method. This is because – as we become adults – the tight clothing we wear and the cramped positions we assume when sitting restrict the action of the diaphragm and compel the more powerful chest muscles to come to the rescue. This gradually instills the habit of chest breathing. Years of practice creates a habit so deep-seated that much patient effort is required to correct it.
Chest breathing results from the movement of the rib section of the trunk and especially the upper section of the chest. During inhalation the chest expands and during exhalation it contracts. This form of breathing – especially when performed to the limit of inhalation and exhalation – is an excellent form of internal exercise that develops the size of the chest and is beneficial in many ways. Chest breathing is naturally employed by the body only during strenuous exertion. It might be termed a form of “forced breathing,” just as a forced drought may be applied to a boiler when great steam pressure is needed.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing – sometimes called “abdominal breathing” is entirely different in action from chest breathing. During inhalation the abdomen expands (becomes larger) and during exhalation the abdomen contracts (becomes smaller). It must be understood that air does not enter the abdominal region with this form of breathing. This is impossible.