Breathing is not only done by the lungs, but by the muscles as well

The cardiovascular and respiratory system are deeply entwined. Their relationship is symbiotic, the lungs allow oxygen to enter the bloodstream in the lungs, the oxygen in the blood enables muscles to contract, and muscles enable the lungs to expand and contract, allowing for the cycle to continue on and on forever until you leave the material world.

Enhanced circulation is often touted as a definite benefit of massage therapy. When the soft tissues are manipulated, adhesions which block healthy circulation are released, and the flowing motion of the strokes quite literally push blood and lymph to where they need to be. But why do we need circulation? Doesn’t that seem a bit frivolous? To circulate things? Well, because the blood transports oxygen and nutrients which enables your muscles to function, you will actually concretely benefit from having better circulation! More energy, stronger and more resilient muscles, and a sense of overall flow and wellness.

Anyway, back to breathing. The mechanism of breathing is made possible by the breathing muscles, the diaphragm, the intercostals, the scalenes, the posterior superior serratus and the posterior inferior serratus. Some are more integral to the process while others assist. Shorter breaths are done by the scalenes, neck muscles which assist the lifting of the first ribs. During stress or hyperventilation, these muscles can become overworked and become tense, causing difficulty breathing and a sensation of tightness around the throat. In general, breathing muscles can get tense and strained due to stress, anxiety, trauma, strenuous physical activity.

Another cause for sore breathing muscles is after a bout of sickness in which there is a lot of coughing. Excessive coughing can put strain on the intercostals, and also some of the back muscles.

When the breathing muscles are strained, taking proper deep breaths and doing physical exercise can become more difficult and laborious.

Massage therapy can help relieve the tension by targeting muscles specific to breathing. There is diaphragm release, a technique which first gently moves the fascia around the thoracic diaphragm. Then, by following the client’s rhythm of breath, pressure is applied underneath the ribs to release tension in the umbrella shaped muscle. The process can be uncomfortable, but when done carefully and in communication with the client, can be quite relieving. Intercostal muscles can also be stripped, allowing for release and increased space between each individual rib.

Breath and heart rate go hand in hand. Easeful breathing can lead to overall feeling of calm and respite, and overall wellness.