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The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration. This is the large, flat muscle separating the abdominal from the chest cavities. The diaphragm contracts thus lengthening the chest cavity creating a vacuum which draws air into the lungs. The secondary or so called accessory muscles of respiration include the intercostal muscles (between the ribs), and to a lesser extent, the neck muscles. The accessory muscles function to increase the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest cavity as well as to lift and spread the rib cage.

With good "Western" posture we use our accessory musculature to lift the chest. Using the accessory muscles without proper use of the diaphragm serves to keep air high in the chest and does not expand the lungs to their capacity. A normal thoracic breath draws only 500 to 700 cc of air in the average adult. This results in less efficient oxygen delivery to your circulatory system and subsequently less potential for physical action. On the other hand, a deep, abdominal breath typically draws 2500cc to 3000cc of air, expanding the entire lungs for optimal oxygen delivery.

Proper Respiration

With this background we can now approach the process of proper respiration. Normal, quiet respiration uses only the diaphragm. This is what is termed abdominal breathing. The chest is kept completely still and the accessory muscles are not utilized. This is the proper way to breathe. It is the way infants normally breathe before they become conditioned and are taught "proper posture." It is the way a cat or other


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Note added at 17 mins (2006-08-30 14:15:21 GMT)
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