Diaphragm
The breath of life. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. It's the primary muscle of respiration—contracting to pull air into the lungs. But it does much more: it massages abdominal organs, pumps lymph, affects posture, and the vagus nerve passes through it. Diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Diaphragm Functions
Primary Breathing
Contracts and flattens. Creates negative pressure. Air rushes in. Relaxes for exhale.
Abdominal Pump
Massages organs with each breath. Aids digestion. Moves blood and lymph.
LES Support
Wraps around esophagus. Helps prevent reflux. Hiatus is the opening.
Postural Stability
Part of core muscles. Intra-abdominal pressure. Spine support.
Vagus Tone
Deep breathing stimulates vagus. Parasympathetic activation. Stress reduction.
Lymphatic Flow
Breathing pumps lymph. Deep breaths enhance. Shallow breathing impairs.
Diaphragm Openings
Aortic Hiatus
Aorta passes through. Behind diaphragm. Also thoracic duct.
Esophageal Hiatus
Esophagus passes. Vagus nerves too. Site of hiatal hernia.
Caval Opening
Inferior vena cava. In central tendon. Phrenic nerve passes nearby.
Breathing Patterns
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Belly expands. Most efficient. Activates parasympathetic. Natural for infants.
Chest Breathing
Accessory muscles used. Stress pattern. Less efficient. Neck tension.
Paradoxical Breathing
Belly draws in on inhale. Dysfunctional pattern. Common with chronic stress.
Box Breathing
4-4-4-4 pattern. Diaphragm focus. Stress reduction technique. Military uses.
Diaphragm Problems
Hiatal Hernia
Stomach pushes through hiatus. Causes reflux, vagus compression.
Diaphragm Tension
Chronic stress tightens. Restricts breathing. Affects digestion.
Phrenic Nerve Injury
From surgery or trauma. Hemidiaphragm paralysis. Breathing difficulty.
Diaphragm Spasm
Hiccups. Sudden contraction. Usually temporary. Sometimes chronic.