Have you ever experienced the effects of lung sponging?

My guess is, probably not, unless you have attended a Franklin Method breathing workshop.

Let me explain.

Sponging

In the Franklin Method, we use the metaphor of a sponge when we massage our myofascia. We use dynamic imagery when we imagining that we squeeze the water/fluid in the myofascia out and when unsqueezing, new water/fluid can flow into the myofascia and hydrate the area. This way we can achieve to relax the myofascia in this area and improve e.g. flexibility.

Lung sponging

When you place your hand on top of your upper trapezius and if you could take away all layers of skin, fascia and muscles, your would find the upper tip of you lung right there under your hand.

So Lung Sponging simply means that you imaging that instead of sponging the myofascia, you sponge the upper tip of your lung.

We will add some movement of the shoulder and the head to increase the effect.

 

Let’s have a go with that.

 

What is the exercise about?

• This exercise is about releasing tension in the shoulder girdle and neck.
• It is calming because your focus on breathing and you slow down.

 

What do I like about it?

• It makes you slow down and focus inwards.
• You can improve flexibility in your neck and shoulders.
• You can do it anywhere.
• It is a simple release technique which doesn’t require any other tool than your hands.
• You have a proprioceptive aspect because you use your hands. This stimulates the communication between the brain and body and there is therefore more clarity about where the movement happens.
• You have the release aspect because you are massaging your myofascial system. The warm hands add another dimension – that of adding “heat” to release tension.
• Breathing feels easier.
• Because it is a slow movement your have time to notice the shoulder lift and lateral flexion of the neck and compare sides.
• Movement and massage have a doubling effect.

 

What prop do you need?

The best prop of them all – your hands … ;o)

 

Where to place the prop

On your upper trapezius.

 

Which course/workshop is the exercise from?

• The Franklin Method – Breathing

I taught this workshop as part of the training programme “Åndedrætsterapeut” in Skolen for åndedræt in Denmark.

If you are curious about The Franklin Method, take a look at their website or mine.

You might also be interested to know that The Franklin Method Educator Training Level 1 will run in October 2021 in Denmark. You can read more about the first module here.

 

 

And here is the video …

Video length: 5:13 minutes