Shallow breathing

Hi, Good morning.

I am totally chest breather. If I try to engage my abdomen I can not open my ribs and my breathing becomes even worse. If I try to open my ribs my chest rises automatically. Could you give some advices how I can stop my chest breathing and learn diaphragmatic breathing.

Hi John,

To feel the belly/back movement, I'd try breathing in child's pose (yoga), lying on your back (to feel your belly move), and breathing through your nose to start. Also make sure your belly muscles are relaxed (so they can move), and that you're standing tall with your chest lifted. If your chest is already lifted, it typically won't rise and fall too much. 

Thank you very much Camille,

I can move my belly seperately but I struggle to combine it with my ribs expansion. Whenever I try to incorporate belly with ribs my breathing goes out automatically.

Can you give some advices ?

Perhaps a good thing to try would be expanding your ribs first, then your belly. Then, with time, simultaneously!

Ok thanks,

When I try to breathe through abdomen/ribs I feel only small amount of air drawn to my lungs. Is it because stiffness in my ribs ?

You could possibly be squeezing either your belly muscles or intercostals (muscles between your ribs). Another thing to try: exhale all of your air first, then take in a deep belly breath. See if that helps your body take in a fuller breath!