The Anatomy of Breath

Breathing is fundamental to life. Only a few minutes without breathing can put us in a very precarious situation! What is the relationship of breath to the nervous system? The psoas? To your practice?

Topics Covered:


What are the anatomical components of the breath?
How do you access the components of breath?
What is the relationship between breath and bandhas?
What is the relationship between breath and mind?
How is the vagus nerve connected to breath?

In this workshop, David will take you on a journey through the anatomy of your breath. From the diaphragm to the abdomen, and pelvic floor. It’s not as simple or limited as inhale and exhale, oh no. The breath can be used as a link between mind and body through the nervous system. Manipulation and control of the breath can have an impact on the reactivity or calmness you hold in your nervous system. We’ll shift our understanding from the lungs and diaphragm and psoas as individual parts and pieces to the breathing system as a whole.

At the beginning of the workshop, we start with creating a sense of how well integrated the body really is.  Breathing is fundamental to life. Only a few minutes without breathing can put us in a very precarious situation! Breath is also an important focal point for concentration and meditation. It’s one of the most commonly used elements to bridge together mind and body. In this section, we’ll explore the anatomy of breathing and begin to understand how bandhas function as a component of breathing.

This workshop gives participants an opportunity to understand anatomical concepts and principles that apply directly to breathing on and off the yoga mat. The information is always presented in a simple and straightforward manner.

Once you understand the mechanism and function, you can begin to work with your own breath in an increasingly meaningful way.