COMPANION NOTES: the diaphragm

Welcome to this set of resources. You'll find useful links, playlists, guided practices, image collections, plus journaling prompts and poetry.

Embodying anatomy, or studying anatomy experientially, means we take the facts we learn from books, apps, videos, even dissection material, and explore and authenticate it in our body. We accumulate a first-person perspective of the tissues, structures and systems of the body.

As you consider the diaphragm, for example, think outside the box and reflect on language, imagery, and any assoicated ideas that come up for you. I hope my collection inspires you to create your own unique resources.

• ANATOMY

Here are some reminders of the classic anatomy of the diaphragm via KenHub, and a refresher on the Respiratory System as a whole, if you’d like to dip into that. And, here’s a description of the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL).

I really recommend watching a series of clips from Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen about the diaphragm and crura, including explanations of the “superior cura”.

• GUIDED PRACTICES

I’ve recorded two practices for you. In the first, I suggest arranging yourself in Constructive Rest (or Semi-supine), or placing a bolster or cushions under the back of your knees. This way, I think you will find it simpler to tune into the spinal response to the breath. In the second practice, I think it might be easier to be seated, but do feel free to support yourself on a chair or against a wall, i.e. minimise any effort to be seated with props so that you can attend to the ‘clover leaflets’ of the diaphragm.