During Qigong practice, an extended diaphragmatic breath is used to connect to the lower stomach area called the "Lower Dantian". From an eastern perspective, this area houses the deepest and strongest energetic centres of the body. From a western perspective, by pushing the belly out as you breathe in, and pulling the belly in as you breathe out, you stimulate three important physiological functions in the body. First, as the diaphragm descends and the stomach expands, the lower lobes of the lungs fill completely resulting in proper oxygenation of the body. Most people tend to breathe only into their upper chest using accessary muscles instead of the diaphragm, resulting in only one-third of the oxygen intake or what’s called a "shallow tidal breath". Second, the descent of the diaphragm causes contractive pressure on the internal organs helping them to squeeze out toxins, allowing them to take in new blood and nutrients. Finally, the oscillating movement of the diaphragm stimulates the digestive tract, causing food to move along its path. A process called peristalsis. This has the effect of increased nutrient absorption as well as more effective and complete elimination.