2,000 Years of Breath Work: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Postpartum Recovery

In 1973, archaeologists excavating a Han Dynasty tomb near Changsha, China, discovered an extraordinary silk scroll that had been buried for more than 2,000 years.

On it were dozens of painted figures bending, stretching, reaching and breathing.

In 168 BCE, people in ancient China were already exploring the connection between breath, gentle movement and the body’s ability to restore itself.

The practice was called daoyin, often translated as “guiding and pulling,” and is considered an ancient precursor to practices such as qigong.

The Ancient Origins of Breathwork and Qigong

The scroll illustrations were charming. Movements had names like “bear-hanging” and “bird-stretching.”

The images and movements captured a beautifully simple idea: gentle movement and intentional breathing could help keep qi, or life energy, moving through the body.

These practices belonged to a broader Chinese philosophy sometimes translated as “nourishing life.”

More than 2,000 years later, we may use very different language, but the relationship between breathing, movement and the body continues to fascinate researchers.

Breathwork and Modern Postpartum Recovery

Modern medicine speaks a very different language than ancient Chinese philosophy.

Instead of qi, researchers may talk about the diaphragm, respiratory mechanics, the nervous system, pelvic floor function and core stability.

But researchers are still interested in something remarkably similar:

What happens when we combine intentional breathing with gentle core rehabilitation?

This question becomes particularly interesting during postpartum recovery, when the abdominal muscles, diaphragm and pelvic floor are adapting after pregnancy and birth.

Breathing Exercises and Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti, or the separation of the abdominal muscles along the midline, is common during and after pregnancy.

A 2025 study of postpartum women found that breathing exercises combined with core-stability training helped reduce inter-recti distance, the separation associated with diastasis recti.

Other research has explored structured breathing practices as a potential tool for relaxation, emotional regulation and postpartum wellbeing.

This doesn’t mean that breathing alone can “heal” the postpartum body.

It does suggest something more nuanced and perhaps more useful: the way we breathe may have a meaningful role within a larger approach to postpartum recovery and wellbeing.

From Ancient Breathwork to Modern Motherhood

Ancient practitioners called it nourishing life.

Modern researchers talk about the diaphragm, core stability, respiratory mechanics and the nervous system.

Different vocabulary.

Same fascinating question:

What if something as simple and available as breathing can become part of how we care for the body?

For a new mother whose body has just done something extraordinary, that feels like an idea worth remembering.

Breathe gently.

Move gently.

Nourish the life that is also nourishing you.

And when you want a little guidance, join us on Breathe Mama.

A Breathe Mama Note:

Postpartum recovery is individual. Breathwork and movement can support wellbeing, but should complement, not replace, medical care or guidance from your healthcare provider. If you have concerns about diastasis recti, pelvic floor function, pain or postpartum recovery, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.