Instead of going through all three stages in 3-part-breathing, I may repeat only the first stage, mainly engaging my diaphragm. The diaphragm flattens when it gets to maximum amplitude after I finish inhaling. It returns to minimum amplitude when I complete the exhaling.
A trained and toned diaphragm muscle, expanding 360⁰ degrees, is like a well-tuned engine. When engaged, the bottom parts of my lungs flood with air; this is where I have the most efficient gas exchange. When my diaphragm expands 180⁰ degrees forward but does not open backward, the result is limited ‘flap diaphragmatic breathing.’ When it expands 360⁰ degrees, I breathe fully diaphragmatically. When breathing in this way, my abdominal muscles are relaxed and minimally engaged. The main advantages of breathing predominantly with my diaphragm:
- I move air down to the most absorption-efficient area in my lungs.
- Send signals of relaxation to my ‘breathing app.’
- Massage some of my vital organs.
- Encourage bowel movement.
- Reduce the chance of clearing too much Carbon-diOxide from my bloodstream compared to 3-part-breathing.