Massage and Respiration
Respiration and circulation go hand in hand. When blood leaves the heart, it first runs through the lungs to collect fresh oxygen molecules that are inhaled. These molecules are then delivered to all parts of the body as the blood continues to circulate. During this movement, the blood picks up carbon dioxide molecules and brings them back to the lungs where they are exhaled. Pain and tension in the body causes guarding postures and movement patterns that negatively affect the amount of oxygen being moved through the body. Full chest expansion can stretch and contract the muscles that are in active pain. The body guards from this pain by initiating shallow breathing which limits the intake of fresh oxygen. Specific massage techniques such as trigger point therapy, muscle kneading or elongation via stretching can reduce or eliminate the pain that is causing this guarding.
Massage can also have a more direct influence on chest expansion which creates positive respiration. The muscles in the chest wall are fairly thin, but are responsible for all movement of the chest and rib cage. The intercostal muscles exist in between the ribs to assist with stabilization during movement. The transverse thoracis runs between the posterior side of the sternum and the internal surface of the ribs to pull the ribs down during forced exhalation. The diaphragm separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and acts like a balloon to create space during breathing. Because of the delicate structures in this area, myofascial techniques are important. Pressure on and movement of adjacent musculature creates stimulus along the fascial lines which causes the nerves to send “relax” messages and release contractions that cause pain and tension. If chest and lung expansion is limited by mucus in the lung tissue itself, stimulating techniques like tapotement (external tapping) create a vibration in the chest wall that can loosen the mucus and allow the body to expectorate (cough) and clear the restriction.
Another important benefit of massage is the way it activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is known as the “rest and digest” system. When it is activated the heart slows, blood pressure lowers and breathing becomes deeper. Deeper breathing means the lungs are expanding more fully to infuse the lungs with oxygen-rich air and contracting the lungs more fully to remove carbon dioxide filled air. This effect is best achieved with long, smooth effleurage strokes that create a soothing sensation down through the dermal and muscle layers.
