Sternum Lift (Postural Diaphragm Release)

Functional Profile of

Sternum Lift (Postural

Diaphragm Release)

The sternum lift (also known as postural diaphragmatic elevation) is a simple but powerful corrective practice that restores natural breathing, alignment, and internal space. It involves gently lifting the sternum upward and slightly forward without arching the lower back so that the diaphragm, ribs, and abdominal organs return to their optimal positions for breathing and circulation.

From a terrain perspective, this practice reduces pressure, tension, and stagnation in the chest and abdomen. By re-establishing proper internal lift, it helps decompress the diaphragm, free up the breath, and improve the flow of blood, lymph, and nerve signals through the thoracic region.

It’s especially beneficial for collapsed, congested, or tense terrains where posture, stress, or shallow breathing have created downward pressure in the gut or restricted space in the chest. Over time, a lifted sternum helps restore tone to the diaphragm, open the lungs, and ease the heart’s workload.

In simple terms: the sternum lift creates space for breath and calm. It supports posture, reduces internal pressure, and encourages deep, effortless breathing.

• Qualities

  👉Qualities describe the felt nature of a substance or practice, and how it acts in the body beyond nutrients or chemistry.

  Lightening – Lifts internal weight from the chest and abdomen, relieving compression.

  Circulating – Improves blood and lymph flow by restoring diaphragm movement.

  Stabilizing – Supports upright posture and steady breathing rhythm.

  Relaxing – Calms the nervous system by reducing tension in the diaphragm and upper abdomen.

  Grounding – Encourages presence and emotional regulation through deepened, balanced breath.

• Scientific Mechanisms

  Restores Diaphragm Function: A lifted sternum repositions the diaphragm, enhancing lung expansion and oxygenation.

  Improves Venous and Lymphatic Return: Relieves pressure on the inferior vena cava and lymphatic ducts, promoting circulation.

  Reduces Intra-Abdominal Pressure: Prevents downward crowding of organs, improving digestion and gut motility.

  Activates Parasympathetic Tone: Deep diaphragmatic movement stimulates the vagus nerve, reducing stress and heart rate.

  Supports Spinal Alignment: Helps maintain thoracic extension, reducing slouch-related compression on nerves and organs.

• Preparation Methods

  Technique: Stand or sit upright. Gently lift the breastbone upward and slightly forward, avoid arching your lower back. Keep shoulders relaxed and neck long. Breathe deeply into the lower ribs, feeling the belly rise and the sternum stay open. Hold for several breaths, then relax.

  Frequency: 2–3 times daily or before sleep, meals, or meditation.

  Complementary Practices: Diaphragmatic breathing, upright sleep, and gentle spinal extensions.

Indicated Patterns by Affinity

👉 Indicated patterns describe the functional state of the body and its organs and/or tissues, showing whether they are dry, atrophied, too damp (pressure), stagnant, lax, inflammed, sluggish, tense or underactive. The Primary Indicated Pattern is the main state where this remedy works best. Secondary Indicated Pattern(s) are the patterns that often develop over time when the primary state is left unaddressed. The primary pattern must be supported first, as this allows the secondary patterns to naturally ease or resolve.

👉Affinities are the organ systems and tissues where the remedy acts most strongly.

• Respiratory System (Affinity)

  Collapse (Primary Indicated Pattern) – Flattened chest, shallow breathing, or weak respiratory motion due to poor posture or chronic stress. Examples: shallow breath, low lung capacity, sighing, anxiety.

  Lifting the sternum reopens the rib cage and re-engages the diaphragm, improving oxygen exchange and lung tone.

  Congestive Pressure (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – Restricted airflow or mucus buildup from poor thoracic movement. Examples: tight chest, wheezing, mild congestion.

  Improves air and lymph flow through rhythmic diaphragmatic lift and release.

• Digestive System (Affinity)

  Collapse / Atrophy (Primary Indicated Pattern) – Sluggish digestion or organ compression due to poor posture or restricted breathing. Examples: bloating after meals, reflux, poor appetite, constipation.

  Elevating the sternum decompresses the abdominal cavity, freeing space for healthy peristalsis and digestive secretions.

  Damp Stagnation (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – Accumulated heaviness or swelling in the abdomen from weak movement or breath.
  Examples: abdominal fullness, water retention, sluggish elimination.

  Promotes subtle internal circulation, assisting lymphatic and digestive drainage.

• Cardiovascular & Lymphatic System (Affinity)

  Congestive Pressure (Primary Indicated Pattern) – Compression of the heart and major vessels from slumped posture or restricted chest lift. Examples: palpitations when slouching, chest heaviness, poor circulation to the extremities.

  Relieves venous return obstruction, allowing more efficient heart rhythm and oxygen distribution.

  Tone Dysregulation (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – Unstable blood pressure or poor vascular tone due to limited diaphragm movement.
  Examples: orthostatic dizziness, fatigue, poor thermal regulation.

  Enhances vagal tone and circulatory rhythm through deeper, slower breathing.

• Nervous System (Affinity)

  Collapse / Dysregulated Tone (Primary Indicated Pattern) – Nervous exhaustion, burnout, or shallow breathing linked to long-term stress or posture collapse. Examples: anxiety, poor focus, fatigue, emotional heaviness.

  Lifting the sternum activates parasympathetic balance via diaphragmatic motion, promoting calm and alertness.

  Tension / Wind (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – Overstimulation or irregular nervous firing due to restricted breathing. Examples: spasms, tremors, tension headaches, restlessness.

  Encourages rhythmic breath and nervous regulation through expansion and relaxation of the thoracic cavity.

• Medicinal Actions

  👉 Medicinal actions describe the specific ways a food influences organ systems and body functions.

  Respiratory Restorative – Rebuilds lung and diaphragm tone through improved chest mobility.

  Circulatory Enhancer – Promotes venous and lymphatic flow by relieving internal pressure.

  Vagal Activator – Stimulates parasympathetic response, reducing anxiety and heart rate.

  Postural Corrective – Aligns spine and ribs, improving energy flow and digestion.

  Digestive Supportive – Reduces pressure on the stomach and intestines, easing reflux and aiding motility.

  Anti-inflammatory (Indirect) – Decreases mechanical strain and stagnation that contribute to local inflammation.

  Grounding & Emotional Regulator – Enhances calm focus and emotional steadiness through diaphragmatic release.

• Medicinal Strength Level

  2nd Degree (Moderate) – Deeply restorative over time, especially when combined with breathwork or postural therapy. Safe for regular use.

• Safety and Contraindications

  Avoid forcing the sternum upward; movement should be subtle and comfortable.

  Those with acute chest injury or rib pain should consult a practitioner before use.

  If dizziness or strain occurs, return to neutral posture and breathe normally.

  It’s best done after meals have digested, not right after eating.

  Pairing it with Upright Sleep (Wedge Elevation) at night creates a strong synergistic effect for reflux-prone individuals.

  If someone experiences dizziness or chest tension, they should perform the lift more subtly and focus on gentle exhalation.

• References

  Traditional Sources

  Alexander, F. M. The Use of the Self. Orion Books, 1985.
  – Foundational text on postural awareness, natural chest lift, and diaphragmatic balance.

  Feldenkrais, M. Awareness Through Movement. Harper & Row, 1972.
  – Discusses the relationship between gentle thoracic expansion, breathing, and nervous system regulation.

  Iyengar, B.K.S. Light on Pranayama. Schocken Books, 1981.
  – Describes structural alignment and the role of the sternum and diaphragm in proper breath mechanics.

  Popham, S. Vitalist Herbalism: The Patterns of Nature. Evolutionary Herbalism Press, 2020.
  – Explores terrain and tone regulation, including the concept of “inner lift” and pressure balance.

  Modern & Clinical Sources

  Courtney, Rosalba. “Breathing pattern disorders and functional movement.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2020.
  – Reviews how posture and diaphragm coordination influence circulation and autonomic tone.

  Cahalin, Lawrence P., et al. “Diaphragm function and posture: implications for breathing mechanics.” Respiratory Care, 2019.
  – Details the mechanical and circulatory benefits of proper thoracic elevation.

  Kolar, Pavel, et al. “Postural function of the diaphragm: dynamic stabilization of the lumbar spine.” Journal of Applied Physiology, 2012.
  – Explains how diaphragm positioning supports spinal alignment and pressure regulation.

  Chaitow, Leon. Breathing Pattern Disorders: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Churchill Livingstone, 2014.
  – Integrates osteopathic, physiologic, and nervous system perspectives on restoring diaphragmatic rhythm.

  Druz, W.S., and J.T. Sharp. “Activity of respiratory muscles in upright and supine positions.” Journal of Applied Physiology, 1981.
  – Demonstrates the physiological changes in lung expansion and oxygenation with posture correction.

  Hodges, P.W. & Gandevia, S.C. “Changes in intra-abdominal pressure during postural and respiratory tasks.” Journal of Applied Physiology, 2000.
  – Establishes the link between posture, breath, and internal pressure balance.