With low back pain we alwayswant to check out the psoas, QL, and diaphragm. (I also like to check the multifidus muscle :)). Right now we're gonna focus on the diaphragm. It's a concave muscle that arises from the last 6 ribs, the xiphoid process of the sternum, and even attach to the lumbar vertebrae via the crural ligaments. This muscle wears many hats as it not only helps modulate respiration and separates the thoracic and abdominal body cavities, but Goodheart postulated that it also has a role in the acupuncture meridian system for moving Qi through the body! Several things can effect this muscle from attenuated innervation from nerves C3 -C5, hiatal hernia, active neurolymphatic points (which runs the length of the sternum I checked it in the video above), and even the overcontracture of the psoas muscle in gait. In AK, we can diagnose diaphragm problems by having the patient TL to the K27 meridian point (where the clavicle and the first rib meets the sternum) with the BACKS of their fingers. If this makes a previously strong muscle weaken then we know we have a problem with the diaphragm. In the video above I checked the nerve roots and the neurolymphatic spots for the diaphragm before I resulted to some old fashion visceral manipulation to correct the diaphragm position. For this move you take the ulnar edges of your hands right under the rib cage and sternum and follow their breath deeper, then when you've contacted the diaphragm you move both hands out laterally. Lastly we're gonna instruct the patient to take the sharpest breathe they have all day and release our hands to the side simultaneously to reset their diaphragm. Enjoy!