I find myself constantly telling my clients to breathe during our massage sessions, and I’m going to tell you why. By taking slow, deep breaths you are calming the central nervous system, which allows the body to relax.
Breathing, coupled with pressure, allows knotted muscles to release, and adhesions and trigger points to be broken up. This can mean the difference between effective and ineffective treatment work.
It is primarily through the breath that the body receives and metabolizes the energy that is necessary to carry on it’s vital processes. The smooth flow of breath is crucial to the body work process.
During a deep tissue session the client is called on to absorb pressure, process change, and release stored tension. If the breath is inhibited, this sequence of events is blocked, and the client cannot obtain the full effects of the deep tissue work.
This concept also applies to the massage therapist. The client can feel the therapist’s energy. If the therapist is anxious or not grounded, this will be transferred to the client, making relaxation difficult.
The effects of open, full breathing are huge! Stress and tension stored in the body is reduced while endurance is often increased. The body’s ability to eliminate toxins is greatly improved.
Full breathing helps to keep your blood pressure normalized. Breathing also plays an important role in managing states of anxiety and panic.
Well, I hope this has been helpful to you all. Keep breathing!