Train Yourself to Breathe Deep
You may know your diaphragm as that place in your belly you're supposed to breathe from when doing deep breathing exercises. You may even know that it's a muscle. Most people I talk to don't know that it's surprisingly complex, attaches to the ribs and spine, and can cause postural problems and discomfort that range from back problems to plantar fasciitis.

Diaphragm restriction often has emotional roots. By restricting your breathing, you can avoid fully experiencing uncomfortable emotions. This avoidance can become habitual to the point where the relationship to its basis in suppressed feelings is deeply hidden.

An exercise I give clients with chronic diaphragm tension is designed to use the principles of Ortho-Bionomy® to allow the body to gently explore and recognize the patterns of restriction in a way that allows processing

Sitting upright, sit and breathe naturally, paying attention to the feeling of your breath entering and leaving your body. Next, breathe deeply into the diaphragm area, this is the area of your belly at the base of your rib cage. Breathe in only until you feel restriction, do not try to expand or stretch, continuing to bring your attention to the feeling in your body. Continue this deep breathing, always coming to the edge of restriction. Notice it's shape and quality. Notice any changes that happen.

It is not unheard of for this exercise to prompt emotional response, so if you feel tearful or the beginnings of anger, just notice it, continue to breathe and allow it to move up and out. Most times, this kind of emotional processing happens somewhat transparently, and without any obvious conscious manifestations.

This exercise is really great for asthmatics who have habituated tension in this part of their body, but I've never met anyone who doesn't benefit from opening up the tension in their diaphragm.