Breathe; Hydrate; Move!
by Dennis Gibbons
From the time of conception the body has created a pulsation of movement, this is how we grow. In the womb the necessity of breath is minimized as we receive our oxygen from our mother. During the conceptus stage the cells are already starting to form and this wave of movement continues to accelerate our growth process. The pulsation in the womb assimilates our breathing pattern and aides the body in its different growth stages.
What exactly is the body pulsating as it continues to grow? Water!
At conception we are approximately 96% water. Where does the water in our embryological stage of growth receive its oxygen? From the blood supply that comes from our mother through the umbilical cord. The last thing most expectant mothers want to hear, for obvious reasons, is, “drink more water!” Why is the mother’s hydration so important to the baby? No longer is she drinking for herself, but also for her child. The average person’s output is as follows:
Average daily input: 67.6 ounces or 2 liters (8 – 8 ounce glasses per day is suggested)
Average daily output:
0.5 liters (16.9 ounces) per day through perspiration (normal temperatures
0.3 liters (10.14 ounces) per day through breathing
1.5 liters (50.7 ounces) per day through normal elimination (urine and feces)
2.3 liters (84.9 ounces) per day of output
-0.3 liters per day without any extra exertion or higher or lower ambient temperatures
The added demands of pregnancy will increase the output, so mom needs to drink more for the baby. As growth progresses daily the amount of pulsation that creates the fluctuation in the body increases and more water and oxygen is absorbed by the cells. Although the baby is not physically breathing on its own yet, the absorption of oxygen and hydration is taking place.
Movement is constantly happening at the cellular level so when someone traumatizes themselves, the correction needs to be accomplished at the cellular level. When posture or the body’s structure is distorted, the subconscious mind changes the parameters of the paradigm to allow as much comfort as possible to the structure. Through this distortion the intrinsic or postural muscles become compromised. This compromising generates enough of a disturbance in the connective tissue that the smooth flowing of fluids becomes inhibited and therefore creates a localized dehydration area. As these cells “dry up” they become less efficient in the body’s ability to stay hydrated and will expose the individual posture to further internal trauma. This trauma is often referred to as compensation, and as each layer of compensation or adaptation builds, it needs to be addressed during therapy to rectify the situation. If the situation is addressed only at the superficial layers, it will re-develop.
Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® addresses this through the meticulous assessment and re-assessment of the tissue and allowing the connective tissue to open up its protective barriers and allowing the proper nutrients to flow through it. As the practitioner of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® continues the process of facilitation the connective tissue responds at the neurological level and allows for deeper work to take place without infringing on the body itself.
The first item the practitioner of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® assesses is the breathing kinetics. Without balancing the internal pulsation and exchange of oxygen, breathing will be inhibited and reduce the effectiveness of the therapy itself. There are five diaphragms in the body, Network of Diaphragms (NOD©), and their synchronization is imperative to bring about balance in other areas of distress. Here again, this pulsation will create the fluctuation necessary to insure proper hydration as the therapy progresses. It is this combination of breath and hydration that will ease the posture transition into its neutral balance.
One recommendation is that along with the therapy the individual considers combining a controlled form of movement into their wellness regiment. At Chagrin Valley Wellness Center, we offer classes in Functional Movement Pilates℠ as one of the alternatives. These classes, whether you experience low back discomfort or TMJ issues, will re-educate and re-program the structure for amplification of the breathing and hydration. This accomplishes two items; first the individual takes personal responsibility for their wellness and secondly, encourages the entrainment or rhythm of the fluids within. The proper controlled movement is genetic and just needs encouragement to be regenerated.
How does Functional Movement Pilates℠ accomplish this?
The first item taught is proper breathing so that any movement performed will enhance the fluctuation of the body fluids. The individual will be instructed on how breath “engages” the 26 core muscles and the body will be able to operate from its center. This encourages the intrinsic muscles to fire and hold the joints in proper position which will permit the correct “phasic” or muscles of dynamics to actually begin the movement process. This format of movement patterning follows the individual into their daily lives and within a few sessions a noticeable change is discerned.
Breath, hydration and patterned, controlled movement will enhance the body’s ability to get well. If you have any questions about Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® and/or Functional Movement Pilates℠ please feel encouraged to call our office at (216) 364-0152 and talk to one of our professionals. If it is more convenient please visit our web sites:
