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diaphragm's actual attachments are. Instead, stay on the bony lower (inferomedial) edge of the costal arch, using a broad, firm, but soft touch to gently apply outward (superolateral) pressure to the very rim of the rib cage. Some people's costal arch is very narrow here; if this is the case, use caution around the sensitive xiphoid process at the end of the sternum. By reaching across to work the opposite side of your client's body, the angle of your pressure encourages the lower ribs to widen laterally. Wait for your client's breath; on her inhalation, follow the natural widening of the rib cage in order to open and slightly flatten the dome-shaped diaphragm. Then, when exhalation begins, use your soft but firm touch to hold the costal arch in this widened position, against the pull of the diaphragm from inside. This gently stretches the diaphragm wider as you resist the attempted narrowing of the lower rib cage with exhalation. Feel for the stretch of the diaphragm pulling back at you from inside. By sensitively and softly resisting the diaphragm's narrowing on the exhale, we show the diaphragm what it's like to open a little more with each breath. Repeat this in several places along the costal arch, making sure your touch is comfortable to the client. Any nausea or discomfort is a sign that you need to use a different depth or placement. Repeat on the opposite side (Image 7). Working the diaphragm in this way is an extremely effective way to increase both mobility and proprioception, while being noninvasive and comfortable. DOES THE DIAPHRAGM STABILIZE THE CORE? Do we want the diaphragm to relax or tighten? Doesn't a soft core contribute to back pain? Contraction of the diaphragm does contribute, at least temporarily, to lumbar stability by acting as a lid on the "core" abdominal space. An example of this is the Valsalva maneuver, where forced exhalation is pressed against a closed airway. This technique is used (both intentionally and unintentionally) by weightlifters to add additional support during a heavy lift by increasing intra-abdominal pressure, which temporarily stiffens the lumbar segment. Electromyographic studies show the diaphragm also contracts to support shoulder movements, 2 and because of its central position in the body, it likely acts as a stabilizer in many other motions as well. However, since we can't hold our breath all the time, some writers argue that asking the diaphragm to constantly act as a core stabilizer inhibits the responsiveness and flexibility needed in its role as a continually expanding and contracting structure. 3 A diaphragm that lacks movement flexibility is not an asset—think of hiccups, or, even worse, the immobility of having the wind knocked out of you. Both are examples of the diaphragm in a spasm of contraction. By contrast, a flexible, responsive diaphragm is what allows 108 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k j a n u a r y / f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5 In the Costal Arch/Diaphragm Technique, we avoid endangering the delicate viscera by working solely with the bony rim of the costal arch, rather than trying to touch the diaphragm's attachments inside the rib cage. Work across the body, following the costal arch as it widens with inhalation, then maintaining that width with gentle pressure as exhaling stretches the diaphragm. Images courtesy Advanced-Trainings.com. 6 7