If you think breathing problems are always about your lungs or stress, this podcast offers another way to look at what may be happening.
Breathing is something we do thousands of times each day without thinking about it. But posture, body alignment, and long-standing movement patterns can all influence how freely and efficiently we breathe.
From a Structural Integration perspective, the mechanics of breathing involve more than the lungs. The relationship between the pelvis, rib cage, spine, diaphragm, and shoulders can either support or restrict the breath.
Listen to the [full conversation] for a deeper dive into these ideas, or start with the summary below.
Why Body Alignment Matters for Breathing
Breathing isn’t just about getting air into the lungs. The body needs space and support for the diaphragm and rib cage to move efficiently.
Everyday habits such as hunching over a phone, slumping in a chair, or spending long periods in the same position can gradually change the body’s alignment and affect the mechanics of breathing.
What Does It Mean to “Stack the Diaphragms”?
The conversation introduces the idea of “stacking the diaphragms.” The pelvic floor and respiratory diaphragm work most efficiently when they are positioned in a supportive relationship to one another.
When the pelvis or rib cage tilts out of alignment, that relationship changes. The diaphragm may have less freedom to descend, and the body may need to work harder with each breath.
Breathing Should Happen in 360 Degrees
An unrestricted breath isn’t limited to the front of the chest or abdomen. Ideally, the rib cage has the ability to expand in all directions.
The shape and position of the spine and rib cage can influence that expansion. When movement is restricted in one area, other areas of the body may compensate.
The Role of Your Shoulders
The shoulder girdle also plays an important role in breathing. Rather than being rigidly attached to the rib cage or held up by the neck, the shoulders should be able to glide and move as the rib cage expands and contracts.
Restrictions in this relationship can make breathing less efficient and contribute to compensating patterns elsewhere in the body.
Breathing, Posture, and Energy
One of the bigger takeaways from the conversation is that posture isn’t simply about how you look. It’s also about how efficiently your body functions.
When the body has to work against its own alignment with every breath, it requires additional energy. Improving the relationships between the pelvis, rib cage, spine, and shoulders can help create greater ease in both breathing and movement.