The Practice of Mézières Breathing to Improve Stress Management

Mézières breathing is a technique developed by

the French physiotherapist Françoise Mézières in the 1940s,

originally conceived to rebalance posture

through stretching of muscle chains. In recent

decades, however, there has been increasing attention

to the role this practice can also have in

stress management.

The Mézières method is based on slow,

deep, diaphragmatic breathing coordinated with muscular relaxation

and postural alignment. This breathing not only

improves lung function, but also stimulates the

parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the organism’s

relaxation response. Numerous studies have

shown that parasympathetic activation is associated with a

reduction in cortisol, the stress hormone, and an

improvement in mood (Perciavalle et al.,

2017).

Unlike breathing techniques commonly

taught in meditation or yoga practices,

Mézières breathing is closely integrated with postural bodywork. This union allows for the release of

chronic muscular tension that often accompanies psychological

stress, promoting a state of well-being both

physically and mentally. The body position during exercises – with controlled stretches and correct posture –

promotes more efficient and natural breathing,

enhancing body awareness (Bricot, 2001).

Clinically, the Mézières method has been successfully applied

in the treatment of psychosomatic disorders, anxiety, and

chronic stress syndromes (Iunes et al., 2010). While

further systematic studies are needed, current evidence

suggests that integrating this breathing into

daily routines may represent an effective

complementary tool for stress management.

Chakra stimulation through Mézières breathing

Chakra stimulation through Mézières breathing

Mézières breathing, focusing on the diaphragm and

postural alignment, can positively influence

the entire sequence of chakras, the energy centers along the

body's axis. The practice helps unblock and harmonize

not only the fourth chakra, associated with the thoracic diaphragm and

emotional balance, but also all the other energy

centers, from the first (root) to the seventh (crown). According to

some integrated holistic medicine approaches, this occurs

thanks to the progressive release of the five main bodily diaphragms: pelvic, respiratory, thoracic, cervical,

and cranial. When these “energy blocks” are

released through deep and posturally guided breathing, the prana – or vital energy – can

flow more harmoniously along the spine, fostering a sense of overall balance, well-being, and

mind-body connection.

Scientific sources:

• Perciavalle V. et al. (2017). “The role of deep breathing

on stress.” Neuropsychologia, 106: 142–149.

• Bricot, B. (2001). Global Postural Reprogramming.

Marrapese Publisher.

• Iunes DH et al. (2010). “Postural changes and

pulmonary function in patients with anxiety disorders.”

Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia, 14(5): 396–402.

• Lastrico, M. (2009) Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and

Mézières Method

• Gay, S. (2020). “Breathing and the diaphragm: between

neuroscience and spirituality.” Medicina dell’Essere.

Available at: medicinadellessere.it

• “Il Respiro Energetico” by Monique De Verdilhac.

Available at: ilgiardinodeilibri.it