Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1464088
58 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k m ay/ j u n e 2 0 2 2 COORDINATE TECHNIQUES WITH THE RECEIVER'S BREATHING PATTERNS One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to work mechanically with clients, without being fully aware of their breathing patterns. It wouldn't be comfortable or effective, for example, if you compressed someone's abdomen while they were midway through an inhalation. That could create a dynamic of struggle and tension, not one of ease and tranquility. Because of this, try to "lock in" to your clients' breath as soon as they lie down. Before you even touch them, study the rise and fall of their abdomens, observe their breathing patterns, and make a plan to execute your movements and techniques in coordination with their breath. From time to time during the session, check the client's breathing before you move or apply pressure. Once you are locked into your client's breath, you can concentrate on your own breath. Breathing is an involuntary reaction, but to work to maximum efficiency, we should be aware of the importance of deep breathing and know when to inhale and exhale. In general, clients should exhale when pressure is applied to them, or when their bodies are dramatically moved from one position to another. Ideally, they should be inhaling when the pressure is released, or when their bodies are returned to the starting position. A skilled therapist coordinates all movements with the breathing patterns of the receiver, rather than constantly reminding a client how and when to breathe. BREATHING FOR COMFORT AND SELF-PROTECTION When we work in massage, or in any type of professional care that requires close contact between two people, it's important to be aware of the ways that physical contact, bodily odors, and breath may affect the receiver. Naturally, it's always wise to shower before a session, or at least wash your hands and face, brush your teeth, and change into clean clothing. It's also important to make sure your breath and breathing don't affect your clients in negative or intrusive ways. Smelling a therapist's breath or feeling it on their bodies is generally unwelcome and unpleasant for a client. Because of this, whenever you execute techniques that require very close physical contact, take care to not exhale in a direct path onto or over a client's body or face. The opposite is also true: Take care to not inhale when your client exhales in a path toward your face. This may sound obvious, but it takes effort to maintain breath awareness as you work. Whenever a client exhales heavily as a result of stress release, emotion, or physical movement, try to exhale at the same time. The potential for energy transference is strong when doing Table work examples. Top: Press shoulders, preferably while both the client and the therapist are exhaling. Bottom: Lift arm into position while inhaling, traction arm backward while both people exhale. A skilled therapist coordinates all movements with the breathing patterns of the receiver, rather than constantly reminding a client how and when to breathe. deep abdominal work, including working the psoas and stomach pressure points, and in floor work while doing compressions of the legs toward the head, and crunches from supine to sitting position. When you execute these types of techniques, try to always turn your head slightly so it is not in a direct line with the exhalation of your client. COACHING AND HELPING YOUR CLIENT If you notice your client is breathing irregularly or taking very shallow breaths before you begin a session, you might suggest that they take a few slow, deep breaths. Sometimes this small suggestion can help clients more fully relax before you begin work. During a treatment, if you want to make sure your client is breathing in a way that will be conducive for an upcoming pose or body movement, you can softly