The True Structure of Breathing – Toward Balanced Breathing~~

[진영]

In Korean 한글번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/624?svc=cafeapp

호흡 시스템의 올바른 이해-고른 호흡과 고른 마음

Title: The True Structure of Breathing – Toward Balanced Breathing and a Balanced Mind

■ Chapter 1
The diaphragm–abdomen–pelvic floor form one unified breathing system

■ Chapter 2
The structure of awareness and observation of inhalation and exhalation in Kimu training

■ Chapter 3
Kimu Breathing Structure Diagram
(Diaphragm–Pelvic Floor–Rib Structure)

In English 영문번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/622?svc=cafeapp

Training and Reflection for Healthy Aging in the AGI Era - Part-1

In the previous section, “Training and Reflection for Health in Old Age in the AGI Era,”
there was a reference to the diaphragm–abdomen–pelvic floor.

The purpose of this section is to provide a supplementary explanation
to help deepen the understanding that these three components function
as a single breathing system.

Chapter 1

The Diaphragm–Abdomen–Pelvic Floor as One Breathing System

1. Introduction

The statement that “the diaphragm–abdomen–pelvic floor form one breathing system” means that these three parts do not function independently from one another. Rather, they move as one interconnected structure, in which the condition of any single part directly affects the entire system.
Furthermore, they also maintain a naturally integrated and organic functional relationship with the two major posterior muscle groups closely associated with breathing.
In Kimu training, the process described as:

Structure → Restoration of Flow → Self-Regulation

is explained in detail from a biomechanical and structural perspective, so that the role and function of each component within this integrated breathing system can be properly understood.

Therefore, the many breathing methods that have been passed down through generations as something “special” or even “mystical” are presented here in a way that allows each individual to reflect upon them, examine the following explanations, and make their own judgment through understanding.

In particular, practices that deviate from natural breathing—such as intentionally tightening the anus or artificially prolonging a single breath beyond its natural rhythm—inevitably place strain on the body’s natural mechanisms and can ultimately affect the longevity and balance of the body itself.

2. The
Diaphragm–Abdomen–Pelvic Floor Form One Unified Breathing System

Breathing does not occur only in the lungs.
It is a phenomenon created through the coordinated movement of the body’s entire central structure.

The diaphragm descends from above,
the pelvic floor responds from below,
and the abdomen between them serves as a connecting space that transmits pressure and flow.

When these three structures move together smoothly and naturally,
breathing becomes deeper, the nervous system stabilizes,
and the rhythm of the entire body begins to organize itself harmoniously.

Conversely, if even one of these structures becomes tense, restricted, or blocked,
breathing becomes shallow, the nervous system becomes unstable,
and the body gradually moves toward dysfunction and imbalance.

3. The Effects of Proper Diaphragmatic Function

When the diaphragm regains its natural ability
to descend and rise smoothly,
breathing gradually shifts away from shallow chest breathing
and returns to a natural diaphragmatic breathing state.

At this stage, several important changes begin to appear.

As the diaphragm descends,
air is able to reach the lower portions of the lungs,
allowing oxygen exchange efficiency to improve.

Because the diaphragm is directly connected to the autonomic nervous system,
when its tension is released,
sympathetic nervous system overactivation begins to calm,
and parasympathetic activity naturally increases.

As breathing deepens,
the rhythm of both heartbeat and respiration becomes more stable,
leading toward improved sleep depth and greater recovery capacity.

In other words, the restoration of diaphragmatic function
is not merely an improvement in breathing itself.

It becomes the starting point
for stabilizing the entire nervous system.

“Balanced breathing and a balanced mind create the proper antagonistic interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, leading to a healthy autonomic nervous system.”


4. The Effects of Releasing Abdominal Tension

The abdomen is the pressure space that connects the diaphragm and the pelvic floor.

When this area is tense,
the natural connection between the upper and lower movements becomes disrupted.

As abdominal tension is released,
the following changes begin to appear.

When the diaphragm descends,
the abdomen naturally expands,
allowing breathing to continue smoothly without restriction.

Because excessive intra-abdominal pressure is reduced,
compression on the internal organs decreases,
creating conditions that support improved digestive function.

As abdominal tension decreases,
circulation around the liver and pancreas becomes smoother,
forming conditions that may also positively influence blood sugar regulation indirectly.

Furthermore, when the abdomen becomes softer and more relaxed,
tension throughout the entire body begins to release,
and sleep rhythms tend to stabilize naturally.

In other words, abdominal relaxation
is not merely muscular relaxation.
It is a fundamental condition that connects breathing, metabolism, digestion, and sleep into one integrated system.

“In this sense, it becomes one of the foundational conditions for both physical and mental health.”

5. The Effects of Proper Pelvic Floor Function

The pelvic floor is the base of the body
and the final support point of the breathing structure.

When this area functions properly,
the following changes begin to appear.

As the diaphragm descends,
the pelvic floor also moves downward in coordination,
allowing pressure within the body’s center to distribute naturally.

As a result,
excessive pressure does not accumulate in the lower back or abdomen,
and the body’s overall stability increases.

When the pelvic floor moves softly and naturally,
conditions are created that help maintain normal urinary, bowel, and reproductive function.

Furthermore, when tension within the pelvic floor is released,
the energetic flow around the lower abdomen and kidney region becomes more stable,
supporting the maintenance of overall vitality and life energy.

In other words,
the proper function of the pelvic floor
is a key element in completing the breathing process
while maintaining the body’s foundational stability.

“It becomes the foundation for sustaining balanced breathing and a balanced mind.”

6. Results of Malfunction (Functional Dysfunction)

The human body is designed as an integrated system.
Therefore, if even one of these three structures loses proper function,
the entire system is affected simultaneously.

▣ When Diaphragmatic Function Declines

When the diaphragm becomes stiff or restricted,
breathing tends to occur only in the upper chest,
resulting in a shallow and rapid breathing pattern.

As a consequence,
the sympathetic nervous system remains continuously stimulated,
often leading toward anxiety, chronic tension, and sleep disturbance.

▣ When Abdominal Tension Persists

When the abdomen remains chronically tense,
the downward movement of the diaphragm becomes restricted,
and breathing itself becomes limited.

As pressure on the internal organs increases,
digestive dysfunction, constipation, and gastric discomfort may appear.

In addition,
blood sugar variability may increase,
and the body’s energy usage can become inefficient and unstable.

▣ When Pelvic Floor Function

Becomes Impaired
When the pelvic floor becomes excessively tense or weakened,
the lower support structure of breathing begins to collapse.

This may lead to lower back instability, pelvic imbalance,
and abnormal pressure within the lower abdomen.

Functional disturbances related to urination, bowel movement,
and sexual function may also occur.

▣ Integrated Dysfunction

When all three structures become disrupted simultaneously,
breathing becomes shallow,
the nervous system becomes unstable,
and multiple problems may appear together, including:

○ sleep disturbance

○ digestive dysfunction

○ blood sugar instability

○ chronic fatigue

This is not simply the problem of an isolated disease.

It is the result of a disruption
in the body’s structural flow and integrated rhythm.

7. Core Principle

The diaphragm–abdomen–pelvic floor are not separate and isolated organs.

They form one interconnected breathing system.

When this structure is restored,
breathing naturally deepens,
the nervous system stabilizes,
and the body’s functions begin to recover naturally.

Kimu training does not attempt to forcefully control breathing.

Rather, it restores the structure
so that breathing may revive on its own.

Ultimately, the essence of recovery
lies not in technique,
but in structure;

not in control,
but in natural connection.

8. Conclusion

The human body functions properly only when it operates naturally according to its original design.

When this natural operation is maintained, both body and mind remain healthy.

Human beings were created to function in this way from the beginning.

The more one acts against this natural structure through excessive intention and artificial manipulation,
the more difficult life becomes,
and the greater the separation from natural order,
the more pain and suffering arise.

This is why, throughout human history,
many sages and awakened individuals emphasized proper speech, proper thought, and proper action within everyday life.

Because human life itself operates through these fundamental processes.

In mind–body cultivation,
the functioning of the body system can largely be understood through three primary capacities:

○ feeling (sensation)

○ seeing (visual perception)

○ hearing (auditory perception)

These become the most basic foundations
for speech, thought, and action.

Therefore, the countless forms of so-called “spiritual practices” that deviate from these three basic foundations often become unnecessary, misguided, superstitious, mystical, overly abstract, or excessively metaphysical.

Such approaches gradually separate human beings from the principles of nature.

And this separation
makes people tired,
makes life difficult,
and can even make the body ill.

Whether in religion, philosophy, the humanities, or any system of cultivation,
anything that departs from these fundamental natural principles
does not truly need to be pursued.

Because it does not accord with the laws of nature.

Chapter 2
The Structure of Awareness and Observation of Inhalation and Exhalation in Kimu Training

Breathing is not something that must be consciously controlled and manipulated, as people commonly believe.

In Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu training, breathing is not regarded as a technical skill to be mastered.

Rather, it is understood as a natural result that emerges when the body’s structure is restored to its proper state.

For this reason, the purpose of this training is not to “breathe well” through effort, but to restore the bodily condition in which breathing can arise naturally on its own.

At the beginning of training, it is difficult to enter a completely effortless state immediately.

Therefore, a very light intentional awareness is used simply to establish a direction.

During inhalation,
the breath is allowed to enter naturally without interference, while awareness is gently placed in the lower abdomen.

At this stage, one may feel as though light is gathering in the bladder region of the lower abdomen, and a natural sensation may arise of energy collecting toward the center.

The important point is not to concentrate excessively or attempt to create anything intentionally.

The essential principle is simply to notice that such a phenomenon is occurring.

During exhalation,
the breath is again allowed to leave naturally, while awareness softly opens around the head.

At this time, one may sense a subtle flow spreading around the head, as though energy is expanding outward and gradually settling into balance.

However, even here, there must be no intention to push, force, or expel the breath. One simply observes the outgoing flow as it is.

Thus, the most important principle shared by both inhalation and exhalation is this:

Breathing must not be artificially created.

Intentional awareness merely offers a gentle direction, while never interfering with the body’s natural response or internal flow.

This is because breathing is not the cause—it is the result of structural restoration within the body.

As this process continues repeatedly, gradual changes begin to occur.

At first, there is a strong feeling of “I am doing it.”

But over time, both breathing and awareness become lighter and more effortless, until eventually one enters a state in which “it happens by itself.”
At that point, the structure itself begins to awaken naturally.

When this stage is reached, there is no longer any need to focus on the bladder region or the head.

Naturally, all intentional awareness is gradually released.

What then emerges is the state referred to as the “Mind of Emptiness.”

In this state, no specific body part and no particular energetic flow is intentionally observed.

One simply remains in an empty and open condition.

Yet this emptiness does not mean “nothingness.”
Rather, it is a state in which everything is able to reveal itself naturally.

From this point onward, training enters an entirely different stage.

There is no longer any need to try to breathe, yet breathing becomes visible. There is no need to attempt to feel energy, yet the flow naturally reveals itself.

The essential point is non-interference.

One does not judge, does not create direction, and does not impose intention. One simply remains in a continuous state of observation toward the unfolding flow.

This is precisely the state of practice viewed from the perspective of a third-person observer.

The reason such training becomes possible is because breathing is not merely a matter of air entering and leaving the lungs. It is directly connected to the structure of the entire body.

When the diaphragm, abdomen, and pelvic floor relax together in harmony, the nervous system stabilizes.

As a result, breathing recovers naturally, and the flow of Ki begins to emerge on its own.

Therefore, breathing is not the cause, but the result.

Structure comes first, and breathing follows afterward.


There is an essential principle here that must be clearly understood before moving further.

First: Do Not Act Artificially

Do not intentionally force or manipulate the flow of Ki.

Whether the breath becomes longer or shorter is something the body adjusts naturally according to its condition, environment, and circumstances.

Breathing does not operate merely through “my intention” and the movement of air alone.

It is directly connected with the diaphragm, the pelvic floor, and the upper and lower posterior serratus muscles, all of which participate in the breathing process.

The breathing mechanism of the human body functions automatically and naturally through the interrelationship of these structures.

If one attempts to regulate breathing only through personal willpower, while ignoring the rest of the body system, confusion begins to arise within the body’s natural mechanisms.

For example, when a person artificially removes blood through instruments for therapeutic purposes simply because the body feels uncomfortable, kidney function may gradually weaken over time.

The principle is similar.
Breathing adjusts itself naturally according to the condition of the body, the environment, and countless internal and external factors.

It is not something that can simply be lengthened or shortened by force of will alone.

If one attempts to control it forcefully through intention, the natural coordination between the diaphragm, pelvic floor, and rib structure becomes disrupted, and the balance of the entire body may gradually deteriorate.

In other words:

The greater the separation between the laws of nature and personal intention,
the greater the discomfort, imbalance, and suffering that may arise.

Second: Always Observe from the Perspective of a Third Person


While we are alive, the physical body and the mind appear tightly attached to one another. Therefore, it is difficult to understand the statement that “the body is not truly mine.”

However, when one begins to observe the flow of Ki from the perspective of a third person, a profound change begins to occur.

As one learns to feel and observe the movement of energy objectively, unnecessary thoughts gradually decrease, and the mind begins to gain spaciousness and composure.

Ultimately, when human life comes to an end, the physical body is returned to the earth.

Understanding this natural principle is something that must continue to be studied and realized more deeply throughout one’s entire life.

Because this understanding allows human life itself to become more spacious, peaceful, and abundant while we are living.

As long as we are alive, body and mind appear united, so people naturally mistake the body itself as “who I am.”

But the moment one begins to observe the flow, distance begins to emerge between the body and the observing self. Thoughts begin to quiet, and the mind becomes lighter and more spacious.

This kind of observation is not merely a technical exercise.

It becomes a major turning point capable of transforming one’s entire way of living.

Third: Clearly Understand That Even the Body Is Not Truly Yours, and Neither Is the Ki Flowing Within It


This realization is the true starting point of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu training.

Without this awareness, it is impossible to truly understand the interconnected structure of:

○ Technique
○ Philosophy
○ Healing

And without understanding this integrated structure, one cannot move even a single step forward in this training.

Ultimately, the entire training process can be summarized as one continuous flow.

At first, intentional awareness is used only to establish direction.
Then gradually, even that awareness is released.

Finally, one reaches a state in which everything disappears, and one simply remains observing the flow itself.

Through this process, we do not merely learn “how to breathe.”

Rather, we directly experience a state in which body, consciousness, and the flow of Ki become connected as one.
Finally, the essence of this training can be summarized in a single sentence:

“Breathing is nature.
Intentional awareness is held lightly.
And I remain the observer of that flow.”

As illustrated in the diagram below, during inhalation, one lightly becomes aware of the energetic activity around the bladder region.

During exhalation, one senses and observes the outward flow of Ki spreading around the head.

At first, training begins with this single intentional direction.

However, once the energy throughout the body becomes activated, one no longer needs to do anything except observe.

The experience that emerges at that stage may be expressed differently according to each person’s level and condition.

Yet through this process, one gradually comes to understand what is meant by the “Mind of Emptiness (空).”

Chapter 3
Kimu Breathing Structure Diagram

(Diaphragm–Pelvic Floor–Rib Structure)

The breathing described in Kimu training is not merely the act of inhaling and exhaling air.

It is a flow created through the coordinated movement of the body’s entire structural system.

At the center of this breathing structure are the diaphragm, abdomen, pelvic floor, and ribs.

The diaphragm is the primary muscle of breathing and is directly connected to the autonomic nervous system.

When tension accumulates in this area, breathing becomes restricted, and the mind itself tends to become unstable.

Conversely, when the diaphragm moves softly and naturally, breathing becomes more natural, and the mind gradually moves toward stability.

The abdomen is not simply a muscle area.
It is the central space that connects the diaphragm and the pelvic floor.
When tension develops there, breathing becomes blocked in the upper body, and digestion and circulation are also affected.

The pelvic floor serves as the foundational structure of the body, regulating intra-abdominal pressure and overall stability.

It moves together with the diaphragm in an upward and downward relationship, supporting the body’s central balance.

■ The Flow of Inhalation

Inhalation is not an act of forcefully drawing air inward.
It is the process of receiving the naturally incoming flow.

During this process, several structural changes occur within the body.
First, through the action of the upper posterior serratus muscles, the ribs are lifted upward and the chest expands.

At the same time, the diaphragm descends downward.

As a result, the abdomen naturally expands without effort, and the pelvic floor also descends together, allowing the central internal space to open.

This process is not merely an expansion of the upper body alone.
Rather, it is a structure in which both the upper and lower regions open simultaneously.

In other words, inhalation is:

A flow in which the upper body opens while the lower body receives and supports.

■ The Flow of Exhalation

Exhalation is likewise not an act of forcefully pushing air outward.

It is the process of following the naturally outgoing flow.

At this stage, through the action of the lower posterior serratus muscles, the ribs descend downward, and the chest gently gathers and contracts.

At the same time, the diaphragm rises upward, and the abdomen naturally gathers inward.

The pelvic floor also rises upward, reorganizing and stabilizing the body’s center once again.

In other words, exhalation is:

A flow in which the upper body settles and the lower body gathers inward again.

■ The Core Principle of Breathing

Breathing is not a movement in which the upper and lower body function separately.

It is a completed structure that emerges only when the upper and lower regions move together in coordination.

Furthermore, this structure is not created through force.

It comes alive through relaxation rather than tension.

The more one forcefully attempts to breathe deeply, the more the natural flow becomes disrupted.

The more one releases unnecessary force, the deeper and more natural breathing becomes.

Ultimately, natural breathing is not something artificially produced.
It is the result that naturally appears when the body’s structure has been properly restored.

Recovery in Kimu training is not simply a matter of rest.

It is a process in which the body, nervous system, breathing, and metabolism become reconnected as one integrated flow.

1. Beginning

The starting point is simple.
Keep the mind balanced,
and allow the breathing to remain natural.

When these two conditions occur together,
the body gradually begins to move on its own toward recovery.

2. Structural Restoration

As breathing becomes natural,
the body’s structure begins to release and restore itself.

The diaphragm relaxes and regains freedom of movement.

Tension within the abdomen decreases,
allowing internal pressure balance to recover naturally.

The pelvic floor also stabilizes,
reconnecting the movement between the upper and lower body.

This is the stage at which the body begins to recognize itself as safe.

3. Changes in the Autonomic Nervous System

When structural restoration occurs,
changes also begin to appear within the autonomic nervous system.

The excessively activated sympathetic nervous system gradually decreases,
while the parasympathetic nervous system—responsible for recovery and stability—becomes activated.

These changes are not created consciously.
They arise naturally as a result of changes in the body’s condition.

4. Functional Recovery

When the nervous system stabilizes,
the body’s functions begin to recover simultaneously.

Sleep becomes deeper,
and the process of falling asleep becomes easier and faster.

Blood sugar stabilizes,
and energy usage becomes more efficient.

Digestive function also improves,
allowing stomach and intestinal movement to return to a more natural rhythm.

Even bowel movement patterns gradually stabilize.

In other words,

these functions are not managed separately.
They become organized as one integrated flow.

5. Result

When all of these processes become connected,
the energetic flow within the body becomes activated.

This state is called the Kimu State.
The Kimu State is a condition in which:

○ mind
○ body
○ and Ki (energy)

are no longer divided,
but connected as one.

■ Tension State and Relaxation State

In a state of tension,
the mind becomes anxious, breathing becomes shallow,
and the diaphragm and abdomen become rigid.

As a result,
the sympathetic nervous system becomes overactivated,
leading toward elevated blood pressure, increased stress, and functional decline.

Conversely, in a relaxed state,
the mind becomes calm, breathing deepens,
and the diaphragm and abdomen begin to move softly and naturally.

At this stage,
the parasympathetic nervous system becomes activated,
recovery and regeneration begin to occur,
and the body’s functions naturally improve.

■ Core Principle

The essential point is not to change breathing artificially.

The key is to restore the body’s structure
so that breathing may return naturally to its original state.

When the body relaxes,
the nervous system stabilizes.
When the nervous system stabilizes,
the rhythm of life itself begins to recover.

☆ Kimu training is not a process of adding something new.

It is the process of releasing unnecessary tension
and returning to one’s original state.

-------
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Jeong Seong Kim
Founder of Jinyoung Ssangkum Ryu