Conscious breathing is an important part of yoga. There are many breathing techniques. However, the most important yogic breath is diaphragmatic breathing, also called belly breathing or abdominal breath. It is a breathing technique that uses your diaphragm to breathe instead of your chest. This type of breathing requires less energy and effort, while improving health and wellness and reducing anxiety and stress. You should breathe diaphragmatically throughout your yoga session unless your teacher instructs you otherwise.
What is a Diaphragm?
The diaphragm controls the breathing. The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle that’s located between your lungs and belly just below the ribcage. It moves up and downwards when you breathe. This allows air to enter your lungs. Intercostal muscles are accessory breathing muscles. They are used for chest breathing, which requires more energy and effort than diaphragm breathing.
What is diaphragmatic respiration?
When you breathe diaphragmatically, the intercostal muscles are relaxed. The belly will rise and fall with each inhalation and outhalation, while the ribs are barely moving.
