Paralyzed Diaphragm?? · Eat Based on Your Biology™

Paralyzed Diaphragm??

I've put in here before questions about fixing a paralyzed diaphragm. After reading Module 6/Lesson 10 (shortness of breath/air hunger) I am seriously doubting the doctors diagnosis. Every symptom you described in this module matches my experiences with breathing issues. There may be a touch of PEM as well.

1)super tight scalene and SCM

2)tendency for shallow chest breathing

3)dysfunctional diaphragm

4)sitting too much (i drive for a living)

5)mouth-breathing

Notes: 1) Therapists have noted i have the tightest scalene and SCM they have come across. The chi gung I do has a lot of neck release motion in it. However, I need to be CONSISTENT with my practice. Once a twice a week is not enough - I need to perform these daily! Also , schedule a nice therapeutic massage once a month may be helpful.

2) be more mindful of the full breath. breathe into the belly then continue into the chest. Exhale chest first, then belly. Practice different breath work daily, especially what we call the 3-4-7 pattern 3 second inhale, 4 second hold, 7 second exhale will help with CO2 sensitivity. (any pattern with a longer exhale will help, as you describe, to shift from the sympathetic to para-sympathetic system).

3) the electrolytes will help as well as the intentional breathing practices. reducing my beer belly and visceral fat will give diaphragm more room to descend naturally.

4)I can't help the sitting. But there are a series of chi gung/gentle calisthenics I can do in between rides to initiate blood flow and lymph flow and muscle relaxation. At least, I can stand up more often and concentrate on the deep belly breathing much more.

5)I always understood the nasal-breathing vs mouth-breathing. A good book is Breath by James Nestor for anyone wanting to explore this. Another is "Shut your mouth and save your life" by George Catlin. Particularly, during sleep I would feel stuffed up in my sinuses and unable to breathe with my nose at all. Guess what - I have recently noticed that quitting beer and other carbohydrates helps. I'm definitely 'allergic' to something in the beer. Grains/hops/etc. After 3 days or so of clean eating and drinking, my sinuses open up and nasal breathing is achievable.

Will get dialed in even better on the diet and movement. Every module I read gives an "Oh damn" moment that makes me realize how far I've gone from true health and that its my own actions, and not my body breaking down, that is affecting me so much. I am convinced and motivated that I can 'cure' so many issues.

Breathe deep, friends! Health is around the corner!

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Paralyzed Diaphragm??