Breathing Muscles: Massage and the Space for Breath
Breathing is movement.
Your diaphragm is the primary breathing muscle, but breathing also involves the ribs, intercostals, scalenes and a collection of accessory muscles that can become increasingly active when breathing is labored or the body is under stress.
At Sagewind, respiratory-focused bodywork does not mean forcing a larger breath.
Instead, I may work with the upper back, rib-adjacent tissues, neck, shoulders and other accessible muscles involved in breathing mechanics while inviting you to notice your natural breathing rhythm.
Sometimes I time a movement or pressure with an exhale.
Sometimes we simply notice.
There is something powerful about discovering that you don’t have to perform relaxation.
Massage provides input. Your nervous system decides what to do with it.
Your breath is your guide.