Journeys: Diaphragm. Stop 2

Toy on the tummy

Experiment! Lie on your back and put a soft toy on your tummy. Take a deep breath.

Did the toy go up or down?

Up! The diaphragm moves down, pushes the belly, and it rises.

Breathe in again slowly and deeply into your tummy. Watch the toy.

Now laugh! What does the toy do?

It bounces! When you laugh, the diaphragm pushes air out in short bursts.

Laugh some more, out loud! Watch the toy bounce.

The diaphragm is your main breathing muscle. It works even while you sleep.