This technique is often called "Diaphrampatic Breathing", but really all breath is diaphragmatic breathing, as the diaphragm is the dome-shaped muscle at the bottom of the rib cage which controls respiration. "belly breathing" makes more sense, as the description is more accurate.

Inflating the belly with each inhalation and feeling it deflate with each exhalation might be a strange sensation at first yet, this is how all humans breathe when they're born. This nourishing belly breath helps the brain and organs to develop and keeps cellular function healthy. Sadly, through environmental factors and societal conditioning many of us now breathe laterally into our chests so our ribs expand outward. It's not that this is "bad" or "wrong" it's just not as good as deep, belly breathing.

Deep, belly breathing sends the message to the nervous system that it can relax and that we are safe. This technique is great to do before bed or before a presentation or any other event that might cause anxiety. Belly breathing has so many benefits starting with full oxygen exchange. What this means is that when belly breathing, the amount of Oxygen being taken in is equal to that of the Carbon Dioxide being released, which balances out the gasses in the body and increases optimum cell function. Furthermore, this technique has been shown to significantly reduce Cortisol (the stress hormone), in the bloodstream as well as increase focus and this practice even helps to cultivate a less severe stress response in the future.

This simple technique is the foundation on which nearly all breathwork practices are built. Once this technique has been mastered, you're well on your way to developing a breathwork toolkit you can rely on to support yourself through any situation.

Health and safety

Always prioritise safety when practicing breathwork. Always practice seated or lying down and get permission from a doctor before taking up a regular breathwork practice. This is especially relevant if there are any issues with high or low blood pressure, asthma or if there are severe mental health concerns to take into consideration.

The method

Sit up as straight as you can but without bringing any unnecessary tension into your body. You can lean on a wall if this is helpful or sit in a char with a back and your feet flat on the floor.

Relax your face, unclench your jaw if it’s tight and bring one hand to your belly and one to your chest. Now, breathing in through the nose and out through the nose, consciously try and direct the breath into the belly. Do this for 3 - 5 minutes once a day to start.