Diaphragmatic Tension and Anxiety
Disciple: When the diaphragm relaxes, anxiety starts to increase!
Yogi Anoop: This may sound strange and seems contrary to the truth. However, the reality is that anxiety increases when the diaphragm is tense. Or, in other words, when anxiety rises, the diaphragm also becomes tense.
Your problem is that when your diaphragm is tense, you feel energetic. This happens because, in a state of tension, the senses become more active, and a certain level of contraction develops in the body. Additionally, specific stress-inducing chemicals are released. These chemicals, along with the tension, make you feel more energized. Increased blood circulation further intensifies this sensation.
However, it is essential to understand that no child becomes hyperactive without reason. There is always some subconscious fear hidden behind it. To balance this fear, the subconscious mind creates tension in different muscle groups.
This unexpressed fear gets deeply embedded in memory and gradually becomes part of muscle memory.
Example: Some children develop habits like nail-biting or thumb-sucking. These habits continue even during sleep because they become deeply ingrained in the brain. Over time, these habits trigger the production of specific chemicals in the body. After a few years, the body starts producing these chemicals automatically, leading to tension in the muscles, especially in the diaphragm.
Now, understand an important point—when the level of these chemicals starts decreasing in the body, the person experiences discomfort. This discomfort compels the person to repeat the same habit, which again triggers the production of those chemicals. This cycle continues, making the person psychologically dependent on it.
Sudden Drop in Energy and Mental Instability
Many times, when we shift from a highly energetic state to a normal state, it feels as if everything has collapsed. In such fluctuations, our observation does not remain stable.
But if we observe deeply, a relaxed and naturally loose diaphragm is what provides stability and peace to the brain. However, this does not mean that we should become inactive.
• Ancient sages first explored through relaxation.
• Similarly, we must maintain relaxation while continuing our work.
• If we correctly understand and practice relaxation, we can lead a more balanced and peaceful life.
Methods to Balance the Diaphragm
In medical science, several techniques are used to reduce diaphragmatic tension. In my experience, yogic practices and pranayama techniques offer a permanent solution to this problem. These methods also help achieve mental stability effortlessly.
However, if diaphragmatic tension becomes a habitual pattern, it can be difficult to break free from it suddenly.
• Some people go to the gym and put excessive strain on their muscles.
• However, excessive muscle strain can sometimes increase mental health issues.
• Some individuals are prescribed certain medications to eliminate stress.
The tension in the diaphragm and mental state are deeply interconnected. If we practice relaxation and yoga correctly, we can establish a balance between the mind and body. When the diaphragm remains balanced, the mind also remains stable and calm.
Copyright - by Yogi Anoop Academy