The importance of our diaphragm on our physical, energetic and emotional health

The Importance of our Diaphragm on our physical, energetic & emotional health

Our diaphragm and way we breathe has huge implications on our physical, energetic and emotional health. The diaphragm is a huge muscle and tendon, separating the chest cavity from the abdomen and attaches to the ribcage all the way around the sternum and has attachment to spine as well.

Some of the symptoms you may be experiencing with problems in the diaphragm are nausea, heartburn and shortness of breath. A diaphragm that’s locked down thanks to poor posture or fascial restrictions can’t pump efficiently, and that slows down everything from blood flow to lymph to digestion.

The functions of the diaphragm don’t stop locally in its anatomy but affect the whole body system. Some of the ways it can affect us include:

Physically 

• The diaphragm is the primary muscle that is active in inspiration
• Tension in the diaphragm can affect the parasympathetic nervous system response
• The diaphragm manages the functions of respiration and digestion
• The diaphragm and the heart work closely together. The functions of our heartbeat and circulation are connected to diaphragms functioning
• Connects to lumber spine L1 L2 and L3 – hence the diaphragm helps to keep our core keeps us upright
• The diaphragm and the pelvic floor have a crucial relationship as they are designed to mirror each other
• Promotes expectoration, vomiting, defecation, urination, and swallowing
• Influences the bodies metabolic balance
• Helps maintain the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body
• The main nerves are the phrenic and vagus nerve – You can discover the role of the vagus nerve in this blog
• Without proper functioning diaphragm the kidneys loose function and don’t operate well

Emotionally

• The diaphragm can be an emotional storage point, or it can be a gateway to emotional processing
• According to Chinese Medicine it is said to be the bridge or shield between the conscious & unconscious emotions are held
• Where unconscious emotional tension or grief are stored
• Pain or discomfort held here can represent unresolved conflicts being stored in the body
• It can be a place of stored trauma
• Working with diaphragm and breathing has a profound effect and strong somatic connection with mind

Energetically 

• The diaphragm connects to all 14 main meridians. All 14 meridians pass through it, either superficially or internally
• The superficial meridians innervate the muscles and tissues, and the internal meridians control the deeper functioning of the internal organs.

Spiritually

• Tension held in the diaphragm represents our inability to trust in a greater Goodness and a higher Order
• According to Chinese Medicine this is the gateway between the upper and lower parts of the body
• Serves a vital role in regulating energy flow throughout the body. It regulates the flow of energy throughout the body.
• The diaphragm is said to be bridge between unconscious and conscious part of our being

On top of this, if you are stressed, you don’t use the full potential of your diaphragm. So, making sure that you minimise stress or have the necessary tools available to help you cope with stress better will positively impact your physical, emotional, energetic and spiritual body.

“THE DIAPHRAGM IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MUSCLE WE HAVE. THERE IS NO IF, AND, OR BUT ABOUT IT.” BRIAN MACKENZIE