Internal Massage by Diaphragmatic Action
The diaphragm’s effect on the muscles and organs of the abdomen is highly beneficial. To combat the pull of gravity and hold the abdominal organs in place, our abdominal muscles need all the exercise we can find time to give them. Correct, natural diaphragmatic breathing – along with daily exercise and practicing good posture – helps to accomplish many health miracles.
Your diaphragmatic action also provides an important massage for the heart, chest and stomach areas, the liver, intestines, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas. This stimulates blood circulation and helps these organs to perform the functions which are essential to maintaining life and health.
The dual action of the diaphragm, which affects the upper thoracic organs (heart and lungs) and the lower abdominal organs, is a vital factor in good blood circulation. This is especially true as blood returns through the veins to the heart. The forceful pumping thrust of the heart muscles sends blood coursing through the arteries. This force is almost spent by the time the bloodstream has dispensed oxygen, nutrients and collected wastes, and is ready to return to the heart through the veins. The return trip is dependent upon the contraction of the muscles and muscular walls of the viscera – the internal organs contained within the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The rhythmic massage of the abdominal organs by the respiratory muscles plays a pivotal role in this vital return of blood to the heart.
Diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the peristalsis, the wavelike-squeezing motion of the intestines which promotes digestion and the elimination of solid and semi-solid fecal wastes. Making a change from chest breathing to diaphragmatic breathing has helped thousands in correcting heartburn, gas, indigestion, chronic constipation, and liver problems, etc.
Often we seek to grow or change ourselves by adjusting the external aspects of our lives. We all too often forget that permanent or real change comes when our inner drives and motivations undergo transformation. – Errol Strider
