Introduction: Your Posture Affects More Than Your Back
Bloating, reflux, gas, and indigestion may seem unrelated to posture—but the way you sit, breathe, and chew has a powerful influence on gut health. At BreatheWorks, we support patients with gastrointestinal issues that haven’t resolved with medication alone—by optimizing airway and posture first.
When your diaphragm and digestive tract are compressed by poor posture, breathing and digestion both suffer.
How Poor Posture Impacts Digestion
Postural collapse—especially while sitting or eating—can cause:
- Compression of the stomach and esophageal sphincter, contributing to reflux
- Reduced vagal nerve tone, impairing gut motility and regulation
- Shallow breathing, which limits diaphragmatic massage of the intestines
- Poor oral rest posture, leading to improper chewing and swallowing air
- Increased tension in the abdominal wall and pelvic floor
These changes can lead to:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Bloating and constipation
- Feeling full after just a few bites
- Burping, hiccups, or air swallowing
- Shortness of breath during meals
Real-World Case: A 34-Year-Old Office Worker with Daily Reflux and Bloating
This patient reported daily acid reflux, abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of pressure in the chest. She’d been prescribed antacids and tried multiple diets, but symptoms persisted—especially after lunch.
BreatheWorks evaluation revealed:
- Extremely slouched posture at her desk and while eating
- Habitual mouth breathing and air gulping while talking
- Fast, shallow breathing during work hours
- Improper chewing and limited tongue mobility
Her care plan:
- Myofunctional therapy to improve chewing, tongue rest, and nasal breathing
- Postural corrections for eating and sitting
- Collaboration with a GI specialist and pelvic floor PT
- Education on breathing techniques to activate the vagus nerve and aid digestion
Outcomes after 6 weeks:
- Drastic reduction in reflux symptoms
- Improved digestion and less post-meal fatigue
- No longer needed daily antacids
- Better energy and improved bowel regularity
Signs Your Gut Symptoms May Be Postural
- Reflux that worsens with sitting or lying down
- Shallow breathing or chest tightness after meals
- Burping or hiccuping frequently
- Feeling bloated despite small portions
- Trouble chewing thoroughly or swallowing
- Constipation that improves with movement or stretching
- GERD diagnosis without resolution from diet alone
How BreatheWorks Supports Gut Health Through Alignment and Breath
Our integrative, body-based approach includes:
✅ Myofunctional therapy to address chewing, swallowing, and oral rest posture
✅ Breathwork and posture training to improve diaphragm function and vagal tone
✅ Education for ergonomic eating and digestion-supportive positions
✅ Collaboration with GI specialists, nutritionists, and pelvic health providers
✅ Full-body care to support long-term gut regulation
Key Takeaways
- Your posture affects digestion just as much as your diet
- Poor alignment can compress digestive organs and interfere with vagal nerve function
- Nasal breathing and proper chewing are essential for gut motility
- BreatheWorks helps patients heal from the inside out by restoring functional foundations
