Breathing

Without your being aware of it most of the time, your internal organs are constantly moving. Much of the movement is due to the mechanics of breathing.

The diaphragm is the most important breathing muscle. It is a dome-shaped muscle that sits across the middle of your trunk, dividing the chest from the abdomen. The outside edge of the diaphragm -- circular in shape -- attaches to the bottom of the ribs. In the center of the diaphragm is a tendon that attaches to the lower spine.

The connective tissue of the diaphragm attaches to the connective tissue of your lungs. When the diaphragm contracts and flattens, it pulls on the lungs making more room for air, and you automatically inhale. When the diaphragm relaxes and moves up toward the lungs, it forces air out of your lungs and you exhale.

At the same time, the diaphragm forces all the abdominal organs -- not only the intestines but also the stomach, spleen, liver and gallbladder -- to move. Your organs are covered in a layer of connective tissue which is lubricated by tissue fluid. Because of the tissue fluid, your organs can slide against each other smoothly. When you inhale, the diaphragm forces your abdominal organs down and forward. When you exhale, the diaphragm moves up allowing the organs to move easily back into their resting position. This constant movement massages the organs, helps them function as they should, and stimulates the deep circulation of lymph in the abdomen.

Adhesions -- scar tissue between layers of connective tissue -- can prevent that freedom of movement between the organs, which can cause pain and other abdominal symptoms. If your organs are “stuck” due to adhesions, it affects your breathing. If your breathing is shallow or constricted, it affects your organs.  Massage can help release adhesions in the abdomen, restoring freedom of movement to the organs and improving your ability to breathe, AND massage can free up your breathing muscles, not only the diaphragm but also all the other muscles that affect breathing, so that you breathe deeply and more easily, and empty your lungs completely with each exhalation.