Why is a diaphragmatic breath important and one of the important aspects of yoga and meditation?

1. belly breathing, is a deep breathing exercise that engages the diaphragm, intercostal, abdominal, and pelvic floor muscles.

2. This type of breathing encourages full oxygen exchange, slows the heartbeat, and can lower or stabilize blood pressure.

3. The muscles activated in #1 above also activate the polyvagal pathway which is the nerve system that is in charge of emotional trauma. Diaphragmatic breath can release trauma and reset the vagal pathway

4. It down regulates strong emotions like fear, panic , anxiety, anger, confusion because the polyvagal pathway is involved in the expression of those emotions

5. This type of breathing puts you in charge of your mind and your emotions. And thats a powerful ability to have to navigate life.