25/10/2026
Every muscle matters. But the diaphragm deserves a little extra appreciation.
Most of us know it as our primary muscle of breathing. As it contracts and relaxes, it helps draw air into the lungs and influences pressure within the abdomen.
But its role doesn't stop there.
Diaphragm movement is also associated with abdominal organ function, lymphatic circulation, postural control and movement. Breathing is closely connected with the nervous system, too, influencing aspects of our emotional and psychological experience.
One muscle. Multiple relationships. A remarkable amount happening beneath the surface.
For Bowen Therapists, understanding anatomy means appreciating more than individual structures. It's about recognising how the body's systems interact and influence one another.
And the diaphragm is a wonderful example of that interconnectedness.
Time to give your diaphragm a little appreciation. When was the last time you thought about the muscle helping you take your next breath?
📚 Further reading:
Bordoni B, Purgol S, Bizzarri A, et al. (2018). The Influence of Breathing on the Central Nervous System. Cureus, 10(6), e2724. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.2724