Thoracic Breathing
Introduction
Breathing has an effect on many systems of the body besides just respiration.
- Breathing massages internal organs, mobilises joints and tones and relaxes muscles
- During exercise, breathing helps to contract abdominal muscles
- The diaphragm (breathing muscle) moves down during inspiration (breathing in), allowing the ribcage to expand to the back and sides as much as possible
- Breathing increases the flexibility of the spine
Motions
- Start Position
- Lie supine (on back)
Spine lengthened and neutral (normal curve of the spine in the lumbar region)
Hands placed on ribcage, elbows wide on floor
Feet and knees four fingers' width apart
- Step 1
- Inhale: Breathe in through the nose
Feel the ribcage expand sideways
- Step 2
- Exhale:Breathe out through the mouth
Feel the ribcage close
- Repeat
-
Repeat Step 1 and 2 four times