Horizontal Breathing The modern human does not breathe the way our bodies were evolved to breathe Modern humans mainly breathe with auxiliary breathing muscles - the shoulders and the neck. The primary breathing muscles are the diaphragm and the intercostals. The diaphragm flattens and the increased intra-abdominal pressure causes an outward expansion of the abdomen. As the diaphragm continues to flatten, its attachment to the lower ribs and the muscles between the ribs (intercostals) causes the lower ribs, then the upper ribs, to expand, inflating the alveoli. Most of our alveoli are in the lower part of the lungs. At around 5 years old, humans shift from diaphragmatic, horizontal breathing to vertical breathing - breathing with the shoulder and neck muscles. Why? We started sitting for most of the day. The bottom of lungs has the most alveoli to absorb the oxygen. Hence, horizontal breathing is a much more effective way to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide than vertical breathing.

Nikolas Kong

3 months ago

shared a link post in group #Breathwork

Horizontal Breathing

The modern human does not breathe the way our bodies were evolved to breathe 

Modern humans mainly breathe with auxiliary breathing muscles - the shoulders and the neck.
The primary breathing muscles are the diaphragm and the intercostals. 

The diaphragm flattens and the increased intra-abdominal pressure causes an outward expansion of the abdomen. 
As the diaphragm continues to flatten, its attachment to the lower ribs and the muscles between the ribs (intercostals) causes the lower ribs, then the upper ribs, to expand, inflating the alveoli.
Most of our alveoli are in the lower part of the lungs.

At around 5 years old, humans shift from diaphragmatic, horizontal breathing to vertical breathing - breathing with the shoulder and neck muscles. 
Why? We started sitting for most of the day.

The bottom of lungs has the most alveoli to absorb the oxygen.
Hence, horizontal breathing is a much more effective way to absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide than vertical breathing.

youtu.be

How to breathe | Belisa Vranich | TEDxManhattanBeach

Breathing - so essential to life, and yet most of us are doing it wrong! Dr. Belisa Vranich, psychologist and breathing expert, shares some surprising information about breathing and teaches us all how to do it right. Dr. Belisa Vranich is a clinical psychologist, author, public speaker, and the author of “Breathe: The Simple, Revolutionary 14-Day Program to Improve your Mental and Physical Health”. As founder of The Breathing Class™, Belisa has taught and lectured nationwide on topics related to dysfunctional breathing patterns and stress. The Breathing Class™ addresses both physical and psychological problems related to oxygenation that is out of balance, and teaches people to breathe in an anatomically congruous way that maximizes balanced inhales and exhales. Belisa received her PhD in Psychology from New York University and completed an internship at Bellevue Hospital with specialization in neuropsychology, psychiatric consultation and liaison, and bilingual treatment. An outspoken advocate for women’s health issues and veterans’ rights, Belisa also volunteers with several animal rescue organizations and is an advisory board member of Philosophy’s Hope and Grace Mental Health Campaign. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx