Massage Therapy and Breathing Problems

Breathing usually becomes easier and more focused in the abdomen when we are receiving massage therapy. If we have been feeling overwhelmed or alone with our stress, the massage helps us feel more comfortable, safe and nurtured. This begins to dismantle the pattern of tense thoughts and feelings that underlie our body’s response to stress.

When the muscles that carry our tension begin to relax, the tendency to breathe apically with the neck lessens and the diaphragm wakes up and begins to function more normally. This is often accompanied by the stomach gurgling. This has been called massage applause! As the diaphragm begins working again, the abdominal organs begin to be massaged by the movement of the diaphragm and blood is directed to the abdomen. As a result of the massage of the organs and the increased blood supply, they begin to work again and gurgles result. This is one of the mechanisms underlying better digestion that often accompanies massage treatments.

Massage therapists often coach the client to breathe more deeply as well as how to breathe in the abdomen. Abdominal massage can also be used to release tension in the abdominal muscles, the diaphragm and even the abdominal organs. Abdominal massage should never be painful and is best done by a professional massage therapist.

Many people find that over a course of massage treatments they begin to breathe into their abdomen more easily and naturally, even when they are off the massage table. This helps them to feel more relaxed day to day as well as to release tension when it occurs, rather than letting it accumulate and counting on their massage therapist to drain it away.

If you don’t have access to a massage therapist, or if you just wish to deepen or extend the effects of a massage, you may benefit from learning to breathe abdominally.