What you DON’T know about this critical breathing muscle could be stifling your music-making

We are all breathers, but woodwind, brass, and vocal musicians depend on the optimum function of their breathing muscles for their art. Many muscles are involved in breathing, but the one most people have heard of, yet is misunderstood the most, is the diaphragm.

What is it?

The diaphragm is a large, powerful muscle that has many attachments throughout the torso. The central tendon of the diaphragm is attached to the lumbar (lower) vertebrae of the spine, making this one of the lower attachments. One of the higher attachments is to the xiphoid process, which is the lower tip of the sternum, also called the breastbone. It is also directly attached to the lower two ribs and the springy cartilage of other ribs. This is important to remember because all muscles exist to create movement. With all of these attachments, the diaphragm is designed to move many parts of the body.

Where is it?

It is difficult to locate the diaphragm by trying to feel it. A good way to get in touch with the location of your diaphragm is to put your hands in front of you in the shape of a heart. Now move your new heart shape so that the tips of your fingers are at the bottom of your breastbone. While keeping your fingertips in that spot, spread your thumbs apart as wide as they will go and reach down toward the bottom points of your ribs on your sides. You have now created a double-domed shape that helps you visualize the approximate shape and location of your diaphragm. The diaphragm is not in the abdomen. Rather, the diaphragm marks the border between the thoracic cavity and the abdominal cavity. Lungs and the heart are above the diaphragm, and digestive organs are below the diaphragm. [link to wiki image]

What does it do?

The diaphragm is a muscle of inspiration—that is, a muscle of breathing in. It is not the only muscle of inspiration, but it is an extremely important one. There are other muscles that help you to forcefully exhale, but the diaphragm is not one of them. The important concept here is that when you make a sound by singing or blowing air through your instrument, the diaphragm is not, or should not be, active. It is possible that the incorrect notion that the diaphragm can help in forced exhalation—blowing air through the instrument or singing through partially closed vocal folds—has led to the confusing exhortation to “support with your diaphragm” or “blow from your diaphragm.” When muscles contract, they shorten. As the diaphragm contracts, the domed muscle flattens and the contents of the abdominal cavity are pushed down. Some of the movement can be felt in the pelvic floor, but most of the movement results in the expansion of the abdomen. As the diaphragm relaxes with exhalation, the abdomen returns to its previous state. This video shows the movement that happens in all directions through two breath cycles.

One piece of the puzzle

Knowing about the function of the diaphragm is only one aspect of breathing, but it is an important one. By understanding how the diaphragm works, you can build a foundation for healthier, more efficient breathing to support your musical and everyday activities.