Chest breathing, where the chest rises and falls prominently during inhalation and exhalation, is also known as thoracic breathing. While often contrasted with diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing), which utilizes the diaphragm more extensively, thoracic breathing is a common and natural breathing pattern. It's important to note that both diaphragmatic and thoracic breathing are involved in normal respiration. The degree to which each is used can vary depending on factors like activity level, posture, and individual breathing habits. Several sources refer to chest breathing in the context of other breathing techniques; for instance, Harvard Health mentions that "diaphragmatic breathing (also called "abdominal breathing" or "belly breathing")... is contrasted with chest breathing". The term "chest breathing" itself isn't a formal medical term, but rather a descriptive term to contrast with "diaphragmatic" or "belly breathing."
- Diaphragmatic Breathing: This is often contrasted with chest breathing, highlighting the engagement of the diaphragm as the primary breathing muscle.
- Thoracic Breathing: This is a more formal way to describe breathing that is more heavily reliant on the movement of the chest cavity rather than the diaphragm.
