Just like geology slowly sculpts a riverbed into a polished channel, you can smooth the edges of your tension with chest percussion.
This style of massage is called tapotment. Just like it takes geology time to wear away stone, this type of massage also takes time. Maintain the stroke for about 30 seconds to maximize its effectiveness.
If you prefer, you can massage the opposite shoulder, one side at a time. Keep your hands and wrists relaxed. There should be no pain or discomfort as you massage.
For a more exacting feeling, try using your fingertips. For a more general feeling, use the open palms of your hands.
Time needed: 5 minutes.
How to relax your chest with percussion:
- Form your hands into loose fists. You will be drumming the pectoralis muscles of your upper chest, below your clavicle.
- Pound your chest lightly, making contact with the flats of your fingers and the pads of your thumbs. Keep your wrists and hands loose, and the pressure comfortable.
- Let the reverberation pass through your chest.
- As you do these percussive strokes across your chest, feel the influence of your rhythmic drumming gradually softening the tissue below. Keep your pressure comfortable. Light pressure works just as well.
- Feel the energetic flow in your chest and ribs as your circulation increases. Do this for at least 30 seconds to give your body a chance to react and relax.
For the complete program on how to give yourself a wonderfully relaxing, full body self massage, check out our Whole Body Transformation. Virtual Massage: Walking with you through nature, on a journey from wellness to oneness.