We rarely think about breathing unless we have a problem with it. Much of the time, we take short, shallow breaths using our rib cage while holding our diaphragm tight. Both scientific research and ancient wisdom tell us that for maximum health and vitality, we should breathe also using our diaphragm. Your body knows what it needs, just listen and it will tell you. The rhythm of breathing should be roughly 3 in to 7 out. Remember to exhale. Many of us have a habit of holding our diaphragm very tight. We carry a lot of tension, anxiety, stress and fear there. When we breathe using our diaphragm, gently massaging and abdomen, we help the flow of energy and emotions around a body. See how quickly you change your mental state by changing your breathing.