Diaphragmatic Release

The Air element relies on movement, so if energy is not moving within the body in areas that are governed by it, then there is stagnation.
If there is continued stagnation, then congestion followed by rigidity or crystallization follows.

An emotional stress experienced by someone is often recorded in the body as a physical response, such as the muscles tensing, the diaphragm contracting and the “fight or flight” response being initiated. If the emotional stress is not resolved appropriately, then once the stress situation is removed, often the physiological response has left an imprint that is used as a point of reference by the emotions, which in turn may trigger the same response when a similar situation is experienced.
This imprint may manifest as continued muscle tension, which results in a build up of lactic acid, which in turn causes stiffness or rigidity. Often a person will learn to “live with the pain”, which in turn cases greater physical and often accompanying emotional rigidity.

Further to this, Air energy can be considered the “breath of life”. It sustains the fire energy in the body and without it oxidation can be incomplete, resulting in residues which in turn affect the fluidity of the blood, making it sluggish.
By working on the Air element and treating the diaphragm, we can return to the area often first affected. When a fearful situation arises, breathing becomes shallower and in turn the lack of oxygen to the extremities causes muscle tension.
If we can, by working on the diaphragm, loosen it and allow breathing to occur naturally and to the body’s full potential, then the increased oxygenated blood flow through the body will help to restore the energy paths to each centre.
The Air Element, which encompasses the Respiratory and Circulatory systems, is contained within the largest body cavity area. It is here that Prana or the spirit of life (Ruarch) resides.The energy from this centre reaches every cell of the body as breath carries life to the blood which carries life to the cells.

The Diaphragm is the main respiratory muscle and Dr Stone wrote:
“Respiration is the first act of life. The diaphragm has a definite superior positive pole, a neuter pole and an inferior or negative pole where it can be influenced.”
“Every cell needs the life energy contained in the breath.....Truly the diaphragm is the firmament which provides teh energy above and below.”
He pointed out that spots “that are tender and congested indicating energy blocks.” These points can be held above and below the diaphragm with a firm pressure and held until relaxation takes place.

The diaphragm supports the internal organs, aids digestion and with the brachial plexus provides the means to breathe as well as supporting the heart. Dr Stone considered the importance of the diaphragm as the neutral point of the body, separating the positive above (Yang) and the negative below (Yin).
Dychtwald in Bodymind commented that the “ diaphragm is the gateway through which feeling generated in the lower three chakras pass as they move to the upper portions of the body mind.”

In Energy Exercises by John Chitty, ” the diaphragm is also considered at gateway to the solar plexus, centre of power in the body.” This same book gives a series of exercises that can be used to release blocks in the diaphragm in a variety of ways.

There are also gentle reflexology points that can be stimulated to start the process of release the diaphragm without having to use direct contact to the area. Exercises such as the Diaphragm Press also facilitate release of this muscle and combined wtih conscious breathing pattern, can re-educate the body to a deeper, less restricted breathing pattern which allows the energy to move through more freely.