Massage & Bodywork

MAY | JUNE 2021

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32 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k m ay/ j u n e 2 0 2 1 cardiovascular, lymphatic, and autonomic nervous systems. While an entire article could be written on each of these, let's simply explore a few of the effects of breathing on these systems of the body. Deep, Conscious Breathing Deep and conscious breathing increases oxygen to the brain, which supports the most vital system of our body—our central nervous system. Deep, conscious breathing also: Affects the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, therefore affecting the balance of the "nutrients in/waste out" process that takes place in all cells of the body. Assists to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Sympathetic response shallows and speeds the breath and prepares for action. Parasympathetic response induces calm and restoration. Stimulates neurological sensors (called baroreceptors) on the wall of the descending aorta. When pressure is applied during exhalation, baroreceptors are signaled, which prompts the hypothalamus (responsible for heart rate and blood pressure). The tension tells the system less pressure is needed, and blood pressure and heart rate can be lowered. This is one reason conscious exhalation breathing patterns create a calming response. Conversely, stimulates an increase in heart rate on inhalation, which can be invigorating to someone who is sedentary due to factors such as obesity or depression. This is one reason conscious inhalation breathing patterns create an invigorating response. Engages muscle actions that, by way of deep fascia, create a pull (a stimulus) to the cranial and sacral parasympathetic nerves and induce a calming response. Employs the respiratory pump to support venous flow back to the heart (which can have a hard time on its own thanks to gravity and insufficient muscle contraction in people who are more sedentary). Creates a positive external force on lymphatic trunks, deep lymphatic ducts, and the cisterna chyli, which influence movement of lymph through the cleansing process. Creates more movement in the accessory muscles of breathing (scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis minor) that are commonly already locked into a dysfunctional place due to poor posture, therefore supporting our If you feel any trepidation around verbally guiding a client through breathing exercises, practice on a client with whom you feel comfortable or with a trusted colleague. Resources Archer, Pat and Lisa A. Nelson. Anatomy and Physiology for Manual Therapists, 2nd ed. (Boulder: Books of Discovery, 2021). Russo, Marc A., Danielle M. Santarelli, and Dean O'Rourke. "The Physiological Effects of Slow Breathing in the Healthy Human," Breathe 13, no. 4 (December 2017): 298–309, https://doi. org/10.1183/20734735.009817. Tucker, Lindsay. "How to Practice Sama Vritti Pranayama (Box Breathing)." June 27, 2019. www. yogajournal.com/practice/ sama-vritti-pranayama. Surging Life, "Ha Breathing Technique: Ha the Huna Breath of Life Infuse with Energy," accessed March 2021, https://surginglife.com/ ha-breathing-technique- ha-the-huna-breath-of- life-infuse-with-energy.

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