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Health & Fitness

Massage Can Ease Asthmatic Symptoms

Massage can help increase circulation and open up bronchial tubes.

To stay up on what is going on in the massage industry, I have a Google Alert set up. That is primarily where I get my topics from. The topic of asthma and massage in children was recently talked about. Coming from a long line of asthmatics in my family, I was intrigued to read this blog on this topic. 

Asthma is a chronic illness. If you have it or have a loved one that does, you know it can affect daily functions from school to work. Massage can help by increased circulation and opening of bronchial tubes. When massaging, the blood flow is circulated, allowing oxygen to flow in the bloodstream. Massaging one's back helps with increased lung capacity because the lungs themselves are muscles. In children, according to the Touch Institute, they are less stressed and have higher levels of pulmonary function. 

So what does a therapist do to help?

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There are different techniques to open the bronchial tubes for maximum pulmonary function. There is a technique that opens up the lungs by your breastbone, but you have to be trained in it. Massaging reflex points on your hands and feet through reflexology is a great way. Also working along the muscles around the rib cage. Extra attention to the calves, which as funny as it sounds, are a secondary breathing muscle. There are so many ways that massage can help. 

If you suffer from asthma, next time you make an appointment for a massage, mention it to your therapists. In the winter months, the mold and damp air is not asthmatic friendly. 

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Hopefully I provided some food for thought. As always, if you have a question or want me to blog on a certain topic, just let me know.

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