Could tension around your diaphragm be affecting the way you breathe?
In the second episode of my Summer of Beautiful Breath series, I’m guiding you through a gentle breathwork and self-massage practice to help you explore and soften tension around the lower ribs and diaphragm.
We’ll use slow nasal breathing while gently working beneath the rib cage, noticing any tight or tender areas without forcing or pushing through discomfort.
In this short guided practice, you’ll explore:
• How your diaphragm and rib cage move as you breathe
• A gentle technique for massaging around the lower ribs
• How to use slow nasal breathing during the practice
• What to do if breathing through your nose feels difficult
• How to recognise tension without trying to force it away
Our bodies can carry tension we haven’t consciously noticed. This practice offers you a few quiet minutes to reconnect with your breath, soften through the upper body and give your nervous system a gentle signal that it is safe to slow down.
If you haven’t yet listened to the first episode in this series, start there to observe where and how you are breathing before moving on to today’s practice.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: Please only practise this if it feels comfortable for you. Stop if you experience pain and do not apply pressure beneath the ribs if you are pregnant or have a medical condition that could make the practice unsuitable. If you are uncertain, seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Next time, we’ll explore a simple coherent breathing practice that you can return to whenever you need a moment of calm.
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