Lying on the back over a special stool (or a folded blanket). Opening the chest and diaphragm, deepening the breath through passive stretch.
Step-by-step guide
- Prepare the stool (or a tightly rolled blanket 25-30 cm high)
- The client lies on the back over the stool — at the level of the lower ribs
- Arms free behind the head or along the body
- Breathe through the mouth; let the chest open
- Hold 3-5 minutes. Observe the breath and the emotions
- Slowly get up via the side. Standing grounding
When to use
- For working with the thoracic and diaphragmatic block
- In suppressed sadness, with a "closed" chest and shallow breathing
Key phrases
Lie back over the stool so your lower ribs rest on it, arms free. Just breathe through the mouth and let the chest open by itself. You are not doing the opening — the body is.
Follow-up questions
What is opening?
Is there a feeling that wants to arrive with the opening?
If tears or sound come, let them — do not interrupt.
When we come up, what is different?
Alternative phrasings
If the height is uncomfortable, we lower it.
If strong emotion arrives, we pause and ground.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Pain in the back — adjust the height or stop.
- ⚠️ May bring up strong emotions — be ready to support.
- ⚠️ Do not use with spinal problems.
Source: Lowen A. 1975 — Bioenergetics
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.