Chest Percussion

Posted on 2005-12-30 20:01:01 in Patient-Administered Procedures And Therapies |

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Chest percussion involves the creation of deliberate vibrations, as a type of calculated hitting over the chest that can effectively break up thick secretions commonly associated with respiratory infections. An adaptation of the Hitting Method of the Tao System of Traditional Chinese Medicine, chest percussion involves striking the palm side of a cupped hand along the center of the upper rib cage downward until the bottom of the rib cage, tapping 10 to 12 times every 4 or so inches apart. The cupping will deliver a maximal vibration that will  penetrate the chest cavity, bronchial tree, and into the depths of the lungs, where the mechanical stimulation will loosen thick mucous secretions. Once loosened, the action of the cilia (tiny hairs that direct the flow of air and sputum) will clear the mucus and restore your fuller breathing capacity. Similar rapid but low intensity cupping over the sternum is useful in stimulating the thymus, an important organ of immunity.

ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:

Chest percussion is most commonly used to treat cystic fibrosis patients, however people with lung diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will also benefit from the technique.

THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT: 1-2 sessions a day

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Chest percussion should not be performed on people suffering from bleeding from the lungs, neck or head injuries, fractured ribs, collapsed lungs, damaged chest walls, tuberculosis, acute asthma, recent heart attack, pulmonary embolism, lung abscess, active hemorrhage, and some spinal injuries, those who have recently had surgery or who have open wounds or burns, and those taking blood-thinning medications.


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