12/18/2025
At Simpatico, we believe preserving our function is easier than trying to regain it. It is true that aging comes with physiological changes, however, it does not sentence us to a life of debility. The loss of mobility, strength, and balance occurs so gradually that it is not until it all adds up to pain or debility that we pay attention. But what if we can detect these changes early? We can put a small fire out, instead of battling a forest fire. This year, we will showcase a fundamental movement pattern or position each month that we feel is critical to preservation of function. If you find yourself struggling with them, no sweat. The human body is amazing and can always improve. You just need a place to start.
DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING
Diaphragmatic breathing involves the descent of the diaphragm into the abdominal cavity during inhalation, pulling air into the lungs, then the passive relaxation back into a dome shape at the base of the ribcage during exhalation to expel air. This pattern often gets disrupted by shallow and/or mouth breathing, poor posture, and stress, where breathing starts to shift dependence to the neck and shoulder muscles. Diaphragmatic breathing combined w/ nasal breathing stimulates the parasympathetic (rest & repose) system, facilitating a counterbalance to the sympathetic (fight or flight) system. It impacts ventilatory efficiency, circulation, pelvic floor function, and stress management.
