V. The First Level: Abdominal Breathing

It was mentioned earlier that infants breathe "properly" without being taught how. In fact, infants automatically use abdominal breathing as this is the most natural way of breathing, as mediated by the Medulla Oblongata. As we grow older and begin to use our "heads" more, we shift our breathing to a costal (chest) breathing or even to apical breathing, in which the diaphragm does not move much, if at all, and only the upper parts of the lungs are being used. Also, the internal organs are no longer being stimulated through the breathing motions.

Therefore, to begin, we must "get back to the basics" and unlearn our "bad habits" and relearn what we already knew as infants — how to breathe with the abdomen. Abdominal breathing has been known to calm and quiet the mind, and, therefore, has been used as the primary breathing method in Zen meditation.

Your lungs will be more fully utilized, the diaphragmatic movements will stimulate all your internal organs and simultaneously improve your capillary circulation as well as your brain activity.

Furthermore, your cardio-respiratory system will be under less stress, since it is about 50% easier for the body to function with abdominal breathing compared to apical breathing. Abdominal breathing has also been used to help sufferers of bronchitis and asthma, as well as to reduce stress and anxiety.

The following section will lead you step-by-step through Abdominal Breathing.

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