The tongue, breathing and posture

Breathing and recovery

Tongue position is crucial for good breathing, especially at night, when the body recovers and concentration is restored.

That is why the work focuses on the posterior third of the tongue: it allows the tongue to stay in place against the palate, even unconsciously during sleep, so that night-time breathing remains optimal.

The diaphragmatic crura

The diaphragm is the main muscle of inspiration. Its crura (pillars) anchor it to the lumbar spine and contribute to its mechanical stability.

Its function is involved in:

• ventilation;
• managing thoraco-abdominal pressure;
• trunk stability;
• coordination with the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor.

Functional breathing thus contributes to overall postural balance.

The tongue and the diaphragm are not connected by a direct muscle chain, but they take part in the same neurofunctional organisation. Their coordination influences breathing, pressure management and body stability.

The link between jaws, cervical spine and pelvis

Tongue posture is also functionally related to the jaws, the upper cervical spine and posture as a whole.

The tongue shapes the palate and contributes to the balance of the jaws. The jaws and the pelvis can be seen as two mirrored postural inputs: an imbalance in one can influence the organisation of the other through muscular, fascial and neurological chains.

The upper cervical spine is an important link between the orofacial area and general posture. Better organisation of the tongue and jaws can therefore help limit certain postural adaptations during growth, particularly compensations that may lead to spinal imbalances.

From this perspective, the Marchal Method acts on two inputs at the same time:

• the upper input: tongue, jaws and cervical spine;
• the lower input: pelvis, foot support and postural balance.

This approach seeks coherence between these two poles rather than treating the orofacial area or the pelvis in isolation.

Tongue and bruxism

Tongue posture is one of the causes of bruxism, that is, clenching or grinding the teeth.

Bruxism can in turn lead to neck stiffness, headaches and sometimes a feeling of unsteadiness. Hence the value of also working on tongue position.

Tongue, breathing and functional disorders

The tongue and the diaphragm share the same essential function: breathing.

The tongue plays a part in organising the upper airways, while the diaphragm does most of the work of inspiration.

Poorly organised tongue posture may be associated with mouth breathing, poor oral–respiratory coordination and tension in the orofacial area. In some cases, these imbalances may also be observed in connection with:

• bruxism;
• sleep disorders;
• snoring;
• obstructive sleep apnoea;
• neck tension.

Working on tongue posture therefore aims to encourage better organisation of the airways and more functional breathing. It does not replace a medical or dental assessment, but it can be part of a global and preventive approach to care.

A neurofunctional continuity

The Marchal Method looks at the interactions between several functions, from tongue posture to the balance of the pelvis.

These functions are not independent. They take part in a shared organisation, coordinated by the nervous system.

Functional continuity and growth

Growth relies on the gradual, coordinated organisation of the whole body. Tongue posture, breathing, muscle tone and body support all contribute to this functional continuity.

When the tongue adopts a more appropriate posture and nasal breathing is better organised, orofacial functions can integrate more harmoniously with the posture of the head, neck and trunk. This organisation contributes to a better distribution of tension and a more balanced use of the muscle chains.

Breathing also plays an important role in this process. Freer breathing that is better coordinated with the diaphragm promotes mobility of the rib cage, trunk stability and the alternation between tone and relaxation. It thus contributes to better management of internal pressures and body support, for harmonious growth.