Take a Deep Breath – 20 Massages in 2 Months (Massage #12 continued)

An unusual recipe for relief

Without me having to tell her Tasha immediately picked up on my waning appetite and mild dehydration.  She also noticed something I had not – that I was not breathing deeply and my diaphragm was contracted and raised up into my rib cage.  She placed her fingertips on my belly just below the rib cage.

“I’m going to use your breath to release this.  Just breathe in and on the exhale I will press down.” 

As she pressed into my flesh I felt the tender and tight diaphragm muscle give way.  As they did a burst of fear echoed through my system along with the sensation of drowning.  Tasha repeated the motion on the other side.  Afterward, she tested my breathing.  Instead of breathing shallowly I was able to fill my lungs with air. 

“This is going to sound funny but when you get home,” she said, “drink a lot of water and then climb up on a chair.  Right now your diaphragm is contracted up into your rib cage.  The weight of the water in your system will help bring the diaphragm down into its proper position. It works by gravity.” 

“Where’d you learn that?” I asked.

“I just researched it for myself,” she said.  As an afterthought she said quietly, “This must be why I was going through all of that, so I could help you.”  Tasha described that she had been dealing with a similar diaphragm contraction in herself.  I felt gratitude for Tasha’s willingness to undertake, even unwittingly, hardship so that others might be helped.  I marveled at a universe that could and would move in such a way as to make these talented, committed, and loving therapists available to offer this unique and necessary support. 

I had a sense for what Tasha was experiencing.  Often a mysterious difficulty, like fear and diaphragm contraction, will arise in a healer’s system.  Due to the discomfort and even angst this can cause the healer will typically begin researching and experimenting in order to help themselves.  Once the healer finds the solution in their own system, they are often called on to help others with a similar issue.  While there are many ways to receive training in the spiritual healing arts, this feedback loop is one way of training healers who don’t always know what they will be called upon to do.  It also help healers hone their intuition.  It is a sacrifice because it is time outside the session during which healers struggle with pain, discomfort and confusion to benefit others.

Over the last week I had noticed that Tasha was struggling with something.  “That’s quite a sacrifice,” I said.

In reply, Tasha shrugged as if her spiritual commitment made the sacrifice inconsequential.

Now after the massage with Tasha I am more energetic and very hungry. More of my breaths are deep. Fewer come up shallow.  The ache in my legs is minimal and the sharp pains in my abdomen are dissipating.  I am glad that I overcame my resistance to receiving massage # 12.  To make these changes complete, I still must process my fear but I am on better footing and have more understanding than before this massage.

Now, if you don’t mind, I am going to excuse myself … I have pizza and ice cream to eat, water to drink and a kitchen chair to jump off of….