Why Does It Work?

The underlying physics of hypopressive apnoea is all about pressure differentials. When you hold your breath after a slow steady exhalation, the internal pressure drops below atmospheric pressure. According to principles similar to those in fluid dynamics (think of how a suction cup works), this creates an inward pull. In the human body, this “suction” can:

• Reduce Intra-abdominal Pressure: A lower pressure within the abdomen decreases the load on the pelvic floor, potentially reducing issues like pelvic organ prolapse.

• Enhance Muscle Activation: The body naturally recruits stabilising muscles, including those deep within the core, to counteract and adjust to the pressure changes.

Over time, regular practice of hypopressive exercises can contribute to better core stability, improved posture, and enhanced pelvic floor health.

The way we breathe can have a big impact on the health of the pelvic floor, and 360 breathing is a great technique for this. In 360 breathing, the ribs move outwards and upwards as we breathe in, and then back down and in as we breathe out. This movement helps the pelvic floor work as a team with the other parts of the body, moving through its full range in a way that supports healthy function.

Here’s how it works:

• When we inhale, the diaphragm (a dome-shaped muscle under the ribs) contracts and moves down. This creates more space for the lungs to fill with air. As the diaphragm moves, it gently presses on the abdominal organs, which in turn shift downward. This movement massages the pelvic organs, stimulates the lymphatic system, and even affects the adrenal glands. At the same time, the pelvic floor muscles respond by lengthening slightly (stretching) to manage the pressure. The sit bones (the bony bits you sit on) move slightly apart, and the tailbone (coccyx) tips back a little, creating even more space in the pelvis.

• When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and moves back up under the ribs. The pelvic floor muscles now contract slightly (shorten) to support the release of pressure. The sit bones move closer together, and the tailbone tips back in, helping to stabilise the pelvis and abdomen.

This coordinated movement of the ribs, diaphragm, and pelvic floor helps manage the internal pressure in our abdomen. It’s a gentle but effective way to train a healthy pelvic floor while keeping tissues strong and resilient.

The next time you feel stuck or overwhelmed, pause and take a conscious breath. Let that breath anchor you, expanding your ribs, lifting your heart, and settling your mind. Notice how it creates space—not just in your body but also in your life—for new ideas, possibilities, and a deeper sense of connection.

Through breath, we receive the world. Through inspiration, we shape it. Let’s breathe deeply, live fully, and remain open to the whispers of wonder all around us.

When you work on your posture, you’re not just fixing how you look in the mirror—you’re rebalancing the very foundation of your body. Hypopressives offer a unique way to rebuild this balance from the inside out, connecting your breath, posture, and pelvic floor in a way that feels light and effortless.

If you’re struggling with back pain, pelvic floor issues, or simply want to improve your alignment, Hypopressives could be the missing piece of your puzzle. It’s a gentle practice, but its effects ripple through your entire body, helping you move and breathe in a way that feels natural and free

When we pause to observe nature, we often find striking parallels between the natural world and our own bodies. It’s almost as if nature has written its wisdom into both ecosystems and human anatomy, showing us that we are deeply connected to the world around us. One beautiful mirroring lies in the relationship between our lungs and nervous system and the way tree roots and mycelium network beneath the earth.

These systems share striking similarities: they are both intricate webs of connection, designed to sustain life, communicate, and maintain balance. What can this parallel teach us about our bodies, our health, and the environment?

While 360° lateral costal breathing might seem like a new concept, it’s deeply rooted in ancient practices. The idea of expanding the ribcage laterally during inhalation is intrinsic to many traditional breathwork modalities, such as pranayama in yoga. The lateral costal focus—where the ribs move outward like an accordion—was a subtle but crucial aspect of these teachings, designed to optimize diaphragm movement, create a sense of calm, and improve energy flow.

When it comes to the pelvis, we often zero in on the heavy hitters—the bones, the muscles, the organs. But there’s this unsung hero quietly holding everything together: fascia. This stretchy, web-like tissue connects every part of your body, and in the pelvis, it’s working overtime to support, stabilise, and move with you.

So, let’s take a moment to give pelvic fascia the spotlight it deserves—because if you’re on a journey toward better pelvic health, this is a game-changer you absolutely need to know about.

What Even Is Fascia?

Fascia is like the body’s scaffolding, hugging muscles, wrapping organs, and keeping everything in place without being stiff or rigid. Imagine a spiderweb crossed with a super comfy hammock—it’s strong, flexible, and always adapting.

The body is a beautifully interconnected system, and the adductors and pelvic floor are just one example of how no muscle works in isolation. If you’ve been struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction, don’t underestimate the power of your inner thighs! By bringing awareness to this connection and incorporating gentle, mindful practices, you can foster greater balance and support for your body.

When you think about your eyes, you probably picture them as the windows to the world, letting in colors, shapes, and light. But what if I told you they’re also a powerful gateway to your nervous system? Yep, your eyes are doing so much more than just helping you scroll TikTok or spot your next cup of coffee—they’re actually influencing how you feel, how you move, and even how your body heals.

Why This Matters (Especially If You’re Dealing with Pelvic Floor Issues)

Breathing isn’t just about staying alive (although, yeah, that’s kind of important). It’s also about managing pressure in your body. If your breathing patterns are off, it can throw off your pelvic floor’s ability to handle the load—literally. That’s why proper breathing techniques are a game-changer if you’re dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction.

So next time you take a deep breath, give a little mental high-five to your diaphragm and its crew. They’re doing a lot more than you think! And if you want to dive deeper into how your breath can support your pelvic floor, come join one of my workshops. Let’s turn your breathing into your superpower! 💪✨

Until next time, keep breathing beautifully!
Abby XX

Hypopressives work by using breath and posture patterns to first release the tension and get back a great resting tone and secondly by using our bodies own lift system via our diaphrams and fascia to create a deep lift inside our abdominals that create a traction upwards of our pelvic organs- reducing pressure and allowing our body breathing space to heal.

So, yes you can do traditional kegels again if you want to- but be mindful that you release fully after each squeeze - this can add a little help to creating more support from below the pelvic organs as we use Hypopressives to lift from above.