Diaphragmatic breathing – A Massage from the Inside

You may have heard of the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing referred to in the clinic from time to time.

This is breathing at its best and incredibly helpful tool for you to ensure you get the most out of your remedial massage treatment among other things.

Learning diaphragmatic breathing is achieved by breathing slow, steady breath through your nose into your abdominal region.  Often called ‘belly breathing’, allowing your belly to inflate you will be engaging your diaphragm, which is a large dome shaped muscle that separates your abdominal and thoracic regions.

To begin with, in a rested state, place your right hand on your chest, and rest your left hand on your belly.

Close your eye, relax your shoulders and inhale through your nose for a count of 4, then gently exhale the breath through the mouth.

Practice this exercise for around 60 seconds on a daily basis sitting, standing or lying down.

Effective diaphragmatic breathing can help to promote a healthy state of relaxation, soothe, oxygenate and relax tense muscles thereby improving your daily effectiveness, your sleep patterns, concentration and response to daily stresses.

Breathe well, sleep well, be well.

Melissa Speare – Remedial Massage Therapist / Pilates Instructor