Releasing the Breath Part Two; Reflexology techniques to release the diaphragm & deepen the breath

Releasing the Breath; Part Two

In this series we are exploring reflexology techniques to release the diaphragm, deepen the breath and release muscles that assist with breathing.

In Part One Yvonne Lockhart, tutor at the Cotswold Academy and founder of Essence Systemology, walks us through the reason why our breathing may have become shallower, has stayed shallower and how as reflexologists we can release the breath.

Here, in Part Two, we get into the techniques and routine to release the breath for our clients. In this beautifully calming routine Yvonne shows us the power of teaming reflexology techniques with breathwork to unlock and release the breath from restriction.

Watch Releasing the Breath Part Two; The Techniques & Routine

The Techniques:

• Perform your normal warm up routine and if you are a qualified aromatherapist you can add 4 drops frankincense essential oil, 2 drops for each foot, into the unscented Essence Systemology reflexology balm.
• Alternatively you could use eucalyptus for reviving / sinus congestion.
• Our focus is on how to use reflexology to release tension in the muscles that help us breath. Engaging the diaphragm fully, lowering down towards the abdomen on the in-breath and contracting up onto the rib cage on the out-breath. Fully engaged breaths help activate the parasympathetic system helping to override the fight or flight freeze response. Additionally the rhythmic flow of the breath gently pumps the lymphatic system, helping to move lymph and improve the immune system.
• After the warmup we will engage the deepening and slowing of the breath with our client. A count of inhale for 6, hold for 4, exhale for 8 seconds pause, repeat. I'm concentrating on the out-breath a little more as this is where the diaphragm contacts up into the rib cage and in doing this will expand the intercostal muscles and pectoral muscles. It should mimic the roll of a wave on the beach and be a continuous flow.
• This technique is great for helping clients with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, tightness on the chest, clients that say they can't see to take a deep breath, clients experiencing grief.

The Routine:

1. Warm up.
2. Engage the breath. Up to 6 times. Holding gently on the inhale on the solar plexus diaphragm line and pushing slowly in with the exhale and pausing with pressure before the out breath. Visualizing the diaphragm lifting into the rib cage and lowering towards the abdomen. Asking for any feelings of discomfort or restrictions that the client may be feeling.
3. Diaphragm walking.
4. Dorsal release- pectoral muscle, intercostal and diaphragm finger walking with pinpoints along the reflection of the diaphragm.
5. One up one down metatarsal lift's.
6. Stretch the dorsal upper body.
7. Engage the respiratory system. Nose, trachea, bronchial, lungs.
8. Reflex the face and sinus areas to decongest.
9. Reflex the spine reflexes.
10. Link T3 to vagus solar plexus and diaphragm.
11. Repeat beginning controlled breath work- this should now be easier for your client to experience and the reflex points more relaxed.
12. Advise you clients to practice breathing better and less on a daily.

Interested in receiving a treatment?

What next?