Relationship of the Thoracic and Pelvic Diaphragms in Breathing

The thoracic diaphragm is a double-dome. It has two longitudinal extensions (crura) that travel along the front of the bodies of the vertebrae from T12 to the tip of the coccyx.

Through embodiment, I feel there are also two superior crura extending along the front of the bodies of the vertebrae from T12 to the front of the base of the skull (foramen magnum).

The pelvic diaphragm is a bowl (upside down dome).

When the thoracic and pelvic diaphragms come together on the inhale and move apart on the exhale, there is an elixir between them.

This is where the mixing of the prana or the chi is happening.

It creates a cauldron between these two diaphragms that gives support to the low back. ⁠

Explore the connection between your thoracic and pelvic diaphragms in breathing in this short video.⁠ This clip is from Bonnie’s online course, Embodied Anatomy and the Axial Skeleton.