When breathing becomes a struggle
The diaphragm is the pillar of our breathing. It works tirelessly to keep us alive. But sometimes, this vital muscle can "lock up."
This feeling of a blocked diaphragm is frustrating: it feels limiting, as if an invisible barrier is preventing air from filling your lungs. If you are familiar with this discomfort, don't worry: it is possible to release this feeling of blockage and regain smooth breathing.
Here's how to understand and overcome a feeling of diaphragm blockage, with 5 practical solutions to help you regain your breath.
The Neoflo breathing belt will be a valuable aid in practicing your diaphragmatic breathing exercises. It is undoubtedly the best breathing guide for promoting relaxation and muscle relaxation.
Why does my diaphragm feel blocked?
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. When it functions properly, it acts as a pump tofacilitate inhalation and exhalation.
However, various factors can cause a "blockage":
- Chronic stress: Stress stimulates muscle tension, including that of the diaphragm, which can remain frozen in a raised position.
- Poor posture: Slouching or sitting for too long compresses the diaphragm, limiting its mobility.
- Shallow breathing: Rapid, chest-only breathing, often linked to anxiety, prevents the diaphragm from fully expanding.
- Physical or emotional trauma: These events can create deep tensions that affect breathing.
Warning: If you experience severe pain or shortness of breath, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical causes.
The effects of a blocked diaphragm on your body and mind
A blocked diaphragm is not just a breathing problem. It can have profound repercussions:
- Chronic fatigue: Inefficient breathing limits oxygen intake, which can leave you feeling exhausted.
- Increased stress: Shallow breathing fuels the sympathetic nervous system, heightening alertness and anxiety.
- Muscle pain: Tension around the diaphragm can radiate to the back, shoulders, and even the neck.
The good news? By relaxing your diaphragm through breathing exercises, you can restore optimal breathing and overall well-being.
5 simple exercises to relax your diaphragm
1. Guided abdominal breathing
Lie on your back with one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your abdomen to inflate like a balloon, then breathe out gently through your mouth, pulling your stomach in. This movement restores the diaphragm's natural mobility.
Neoflo tip: The Neoflo breathing belt helps you with this exercise thanks to its tactile vibrations in the abdomen area, which guide your breathing. Find out how the Neoflo breathing belt can help youhere.
2. Diaphragm stretches
Stand up straight with your arms raised above your head. Inhale deeply as you stretch upward, then exhale slowly as you lower your arms. This simple stretch helps release tension around your diaphragm.
3. Stimulate the diaphragm through coherent breathing
coherent breathing just an anti-stress breathing technique. By regulating and slowing down your breathing rate, you promote the release of muscle tension, including in the diaphragm. coherent breathing one of the most effective techniques for optimal stimulation of the vagus nerve and promoting diaphragm mobility.
Practice it in 15-20 minute sessions to maximize the benefits for your diaphragm.
To learn more, check out our article on coherent breathing.
4. Self-massage of the diaphragm
Use your hands to gently massage the area below your ribs. Use small circular movements to stimulate the area and release tension.
5. Strengthen your breathing routine with neoflo
To regain good diaphragm mobility, regular breathing exercises are key.
The Neoflo breathing belt is a unique innovation designed to help you practice abdominal breathing and coherent breathing. By guiding your breathing through touch, it greatly facilitates slow, deep, diaphragmatic breathing.
It will help you transform each breathing session into a guided and effective moment, ideal for strengthening the relaxation of your respiratory muscles without excessive effort.
When should you consult a professional?
If the exercises are not enough to relax your diaphragm or if the discomfort persists, it may be helpful to consult a physical therapist or osteopath specializing in respiratory disorders. Medical follow-up may also be necessary if you have associated symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath).
Breathe, relax, enjoy
The feeling of a blocked diaphragm may seem trivial, but it can affect your health more than you think. The good news is that it is possible to retrain your breathing with simple exercises and tools such as the Neoflo breathing belt. So take a deep breath: this is the beginning of your new breathing.
