Diaphragmatic breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing, belly breathing, or deep breathing, is a breathing technique performed by contracting the diaphragm, a muscle located horizontally between the thoracic cavity and abdominal cavity.[1][2]
Definition
[edit]Diaphragmatic breathing involves using the diaphragm to take deep breaths, allowing the lungs to expand to full capacity and enable optimal efficiency for respiration.[2] Because diaphragmatic breathing causes descent of the diaphragm into the abdominal cavity, it is also called abdominal breathing or belly breathing.[1][2]
The method involves breathing in slowly through the nose, letting the air in deeply, then tightening the abdominal muscles while exhaling through pursed lips.[1][2]
Clinical applications
[edit]Diaphragmatic breathing is used as an adjunct intervention in several clinical contexts, particularly in people with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.[1][2][3] Diaphragmatic breathing helps with shortness of breath in such affected people.[3] Evidence for its effectiveness in exercise tolerance by people with COPD is mixed.[3]
Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are used for cognitive behavioral therapy in people with anxiety disorders, stress, and panic disorder.[2][4] Diaphragmatic breathing may help with relaxation, lower blood pressure, and reduce heart rate.[1][2]
See also
[edit]- Buteyko method
- Circular breathing
- Kussmaul breathing
- Pranayama – a traditional Yogic practice of slowing and extending the breaths, used during meditation
- Shallow breathing – a type of breathing that is mutually exclusive to diaphragmatic breathing and is associated with multiple anxiety disorders
- Wim Hof method
- Complete breathing
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 "Learning diaphragmatic breathing". Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard University Medical School. 8 February 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Diaphragmatic breathing". Cleveland Clinic. 2026. Retrieved 8 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 Burge AT, Gadowski AM, Jones A, et al. (October 2024). "Breathing techniques to reduce symptoms in people with serious respiratory illness: a systematic review". European Respiratory Review. 33 (174). doi:10.1183/16000617.0012-2024. PMC 11522968. PMID 39477355.
- ↑ Little AL (August 2025). "The A52 Breath Method: A Narrative Review of Breathwork for Mental Health and Stress Resilience". Stress and Health. 41 (4) e70098. doi:10.1002/smi.70098. PMC 12341363. PMID 40792649.
