Hold a note/vowel using abdominal-diaphragm support only. Write down the time and duration of the note.

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Hold a note/vowel using abdominal-diaphragm support only. Write down the time and duration of the note.

Diaphragm Diaphragmatic breathing is an automatic process. Muscle tension pulls the diaphragm down from, and elasticity returns it to the elevated position. This action of the diaphragm is responsible for 29% to 63% of your lung capacity for air exchange. When the diaphragm moves down, it produces a partial vacuum (negative air pressure) in the lungs (chest cavity).

This is more easily seen in the operation of a syringe, concertina, or set of bellows. When they operate, their internal dimensions are greatly increased. This increased interior space reduces the pressure on the air within. Hence, the air pressure is lower than that outside of the device (and the lungs). As Nature abhors a vacuum, the outside air, which now has a higher relative pressure, rushes in to equalise the interior air pressure to the level of that outside of the instrument (and lungs).

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The diaphragm is a tough, elastic membrane attached along the bottom edge of the lower ribs. It separates the lung space from the viscera (stomach, intestines, and other lower body organs). You can draw in more air, by relaxing the abdominal wall. The diaphragm then moves lower. It follows the viscera that are allowed to move forward by the relaxed abdomen. The lower the diaphragm moves, the greater the created difference between internal and atmospheric air pressure. By controlled progressive tensing of the gut, you can then squeeze out that air (just as with the bellows, concertina and syringe). Think ...

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