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2025Qigong for Breast and Shoulder Recovery
Eagle Spreads Its Wings
Qigong is a Chinese Medicine based system of breath, visualisation and gentle dynamic movements that dilate and contract the meridians and myofascial pathways creating a pulsing effect that can release holding patterns and increase flow of vitality. The Daoist philosophy of learning from, and being part of nature, is incorporated; this brings us inspiration, focus and presence in the moment.
JOINT FLOSSING ROM
Post breast or shoulder surgeries many clients experience a decrease in range of motion and strength particularly in the pectoral muscles and posterior abduction of the arm. This may be evident in scapular rotation, protrusion, elevation, depression, and abduction/adduction of the arm as well as a reduction in force and strength of the pectoralis. Soft tissue may also be constricted by scar tissue, adhesions (vascular, nerve and muscular) and radiation.
NERVE FLOSSING GENTLE STRETCH AND RETURN, COIL /UNCOIL
The gentle stretching encompassing all directions in qigong movements help to lengthen and relax nerves such as the suprascapular, thoracodorsal and axillary nerves that are often affected by surgery and radiation causing pain and limitation. The inclusion of the foot stretch in Eagle Spreads Its Wings enhances balance, awareness and sensation for peripheral neuropathy affecting the feet. Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Exercises that increase proprioception and nerve health are recommended, qigong gently achieves both while also reducing the risk of osteoporosis through weight bearing, another side effect of chemotherapy and hormone blockers.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT/RELEASE SELF ACTIVATION/CONTROL
In terms of stress reduction, a significant component of qigong is that it can be used to either elevate the heart rate or to calm the sympathetic nervous system, it is easily adapted daily depending on the client’s goal, capability and intention. Research of Qigong consistently illustrates reduction in fatigue and improved mood that effects reported perception of pain.
Focusing on the lung meridian, loosening constricted fascia of the chest enables freer inspiration by the respiratory muscles which is repeatedly proven to reduce anxiety.
EAGLE SPREADS ITS WINGS
An example Qigong move is Eagle Spreads Its Wings. In this movement Nerve flossing targets intercostal brachial, long thoracic, intercostal and pectoral nerves, as well as foot peripheral neuropathy. Joint flossing all of the limbs from foot to head including hand, wrist, forearm, clavicle, shoulder, scapula, foot and ankle.
Tissue wringing the lateral trunk includes the Gall Bladder meridian, Girdle Vessel, Back and Front central meridians. In myofascial terms this means the Superficial back line, 2 lateral lines, spiral lines, superficial front and 2 functional lines.
External rotation of the bent arm’s shoulder and stretch of the extended arm influences the 6 arm and leg meridians or myofascial arm lines.
Emotion; focus on the Lung Meridian roots Yang Qi (these clients are often depleted) and rules the other meridians. The Lung meridian joins with the spleen meridian and together they create a flow that gleans the most benefit from substances that have been ingested. The lung sinew meridian is directly located at the same quadrant that is targeted for radiation in breast cancer clients so qigong can be used to enhance mobility and elasticity in this meridian zone.
The Lung meridian clears heat, deals with grief and spreads the wei chi to enhance immunity.
The Spleen meridian runs up the trunk to Lung 1 on the pec and then down the lateral chest wall to the 7th intercostal space. This area is directly affected from radiation to the axilla area and surgeries such as breast reconstruction that dissect the serratus anterior muscles, latissimus dorsi and pectoralis. The movement of the foot in Eagle Spreads its Wings contracts and dilates the Jing River Point of the spleen meridian. The stretching of the trunk has the same effect on the Spleen points that refine, store and release nourishment from food and drink.
Eagle Spreads Its Wings equally affects the Liver meridian in the same way that stretching and compressing the visceral organs does with the lateral bend of the trunk. The Liver meridian helps us gain a sense of life direction (many of these clients report a sense of loss of identity) as well as benefiting the deep front line of fascia.
VISUALISATION
We visualise the movement of qi through these meridians releasing grief, heat, fear and disappointment while we tenderly open the heart and chest, reaching for health, desires, joy and peace. The lung meridian connects us through breath to the external environment, so we may draw in the strength of nature. The contracting releasing phase softens and brings us to centre, with a sigh, floating our arms down through the external qi surrounding us, then grounding in the stabilising, supporting earth.
Through our roots in earth we draw up terrestrial qi, from our hands in space we draw in celestial qi, our lungs circulate this and exhale that which we do not need.. This is imbibed by trees in a perfect example of symbiosis.
Qigong has many benefits for people post surgery. The visualisation and breathing of qigong facilitates increased peace of mind while the gentle movements increase range of movement and reduce pain. This practice is available to anybody via the internet if not in person, requires no special equipment or prior fitness level, making it an accessible, life affirming choice for all.
Please see references below.
References
Chronic Pain after Mastectomy and Chest Surgery; University of Michigan Health – click here for article
Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome; Musculoskeletal Key – click here for article
An evaluation of upper limb strength and range of motion of breast cancer survivors immediately following treatment – click here for article
Qigong Training Positively Impacts Both Posture and Mood in Breast Cancer Survivors With Persistent Post-surgical Pain: Support for an Embodied Cognition Paradigm – click here fore article
