Chest Massage for Healthier Lungs and Circulation
A chest massage
is very beneficial in relieving congested chests when the
drainage points in the circulatory system tend to be very active during
certain acute illnesses such as influenza or during menstruation among
women. A chest massage is also rendered to infants to relieve congestion
due to excess mucous accumulation.
Weakening lungs, palpitation and heart disorders can also be minimized
through a chest massage. Emotional stress may cause contraction of chest
muscles and leads to difficulty in breathing and reduced ability. Other
than health disorders excessive heat can also cause stress and tension
in
chest and thoracic area leading to discomfort. A chest massage thus
relieves physical and emotional stress and tension in the chest area.
Chest
massage has also been popularly used by women to develop bust and
mammary
glands.
A specific chest massage apart from a full body massage can benefit the
chest in more ways than one. The chest massage works on the chest
muscles
to strengthen them, improves blood circulation, and relieves stress and
tension in the chest, heart and lungs. Releasing the tension in the ribs
and out of the chest helps eliminate tension, calm the chest and brings
about a comforting ease while breathing deeply. The deep massage strokes
applied to the chest area in a chest massage releases stress and tension
and has a calming effect on the body.
How does one benefit from a chest massage?
Here are some benefits a chest massage is known to provide:
Elimination of stress and tension in chest area.
Ease in breathing and relief from chest congestion.
Improved blood circulation and strengthening of chest muscles
Improved sense of physical and emotional well being
How does one render a chest massage?
As a rule it is necessary to know that chest massage is usually rendered
around the Pectoral major muscle and pectoral minor muscle only. It is
suggested not to place pressure on the breast tissues. Some common
techniques used in chest massage include: cupping, effleurage,
percussion
and frictions. Here is a step by step guide to self massage and
rendering a
chest massage to another person.
Self Massage:
Choose a comfortable location and position. Chest massage
can be done
either in a seated or while lying down.
Use either a vegetable or massage oil to lubricate the skin
and for
effective strokes.
Take the hand opposite to the one to be massaged, begin by
gently
applying moderate pressure and circular strokes moving out from the
center
and working into the underarm area as well as the center of the chest
(sternum). The oil can also be spread in the same fashion.
Move the fingers around in a gentle motion.
Gently massage by kneading and using lifting and slight
compressive
movements.
Use the flat underside of the fingers to gently lift the
tissues
beginning from the underarm area and move in a clockwise or
counterclockwise direction, with medium pressure directed toward the
center.
Finish by applying light touch smoothing the tissue away
from the center.
Breathe deeply.
Rendering Chest Massage I
Make the person lie down face upwards, with a small pillow
under the
shoulders.
Effleurage the arm, with the palm gliding along the chest
beneath the
collarbone. Gently move towards the breastbone. Gently walk fingertips
away
from the breastbone to the armpit.
Make strong returning strokes to the armpit.
Support the arm and move it gently around the shoulder,
gently stretching
it away from the body to release tension in the chest muscles.
After massaging both the sides of the chest, ask the person
to breathe
deeply to compress the rib cage when exhaling.
Place hands against the outsides of the chest and gently
squeeze
releasing only to allow a deeper breath in.
Rendering Chest Massage II
Use either a vegetable oil or massage oil as a lubricant
between the
hands and the skin.
Begin by spreading oil over the upper chest area with broad
fingers.
Use gentle pressure to smooth pectoral minor muscle out.
With soft use of
the knuckles place pressure on the upper chest and glide the knuckles
from
the middle of the upper chest to the outer edges several times.
Repeat the steps on both sides.
Grab the Pectoral major muscle and gently pull outward, away
from the
chest wall. Allow the thumbs to move towards the armpit pull the muscle
over the thumbs with the fingers.
One can then use one thumb to hold, or pin-down, the upper
Pectoral minor
muscle while the other thumb stretches it lengthwise.
Finish with gentle smoothing strokes with the palms over the
upper chest
muscles.
About the Author:
Sharon Hopkins manages sites related to Massage Health Therapy
http://www.massagehealththerapy.com/
which explains how artistic hand
strokes on the body can rejuvenate your mind and body scientifically.
She
also writes for Aromatherapy, Yoga besides many other health related
sites.
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