The Bodywork Perspective - the Chest & Sternum
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Note: When we do Bodywork on the chest, we use pressure to determine the tension on the chest muscles. When we "simply look," we discover that the sternum can be popped, neutral or indented.

Neutral Sternum – We look at only one area of the chest – the sternum, or breast bone. In a neutral position the sternum is sitting comfortably in the chest, neither forward nor back. In general, we simply want to look at one area of the chest – the sternum, or breast bone. In a neutral position the sternum is sitting comfortably in the chest, neither forward nor back.

Popped Sternum – The sternum is connected to the ribs by ligaments. It is thus able to "float." Picture the sternum connected to the front ribs by tight rubber bands. A neutral sternum moves slightly inward when pressed, perhaps a 1/16 of an inch.

If there is tension in the connective tissue, the rubber bands tighten and tighten, until the sternum seems to be welded to the ribs. Then, something interesting happens.

The sternum pops forward. At its most exaggerated, it looks like a shield shaped bone, protecting the heart.

Collapsed Sternum – Or, in some cases, it collapses in, creating a crease where the sternum should be flat.

The meaning of this is clear. A popped sternum (and a creased sternum) indicate a situation where the person has "had their heart broken." They have either "hardened their hearts" actually the ligaments, and the sternum sticks out, protecting the heart from further hurt, or have collapsed inward, ever fearful of loving again.

Of course, to see this, you need to be able to see the upper chest. I recommend looking at people at the beach, to get a sense of the variety of what is possible in this area. Or look in magazines. (I find it amazing how many female actors have a popped sternum – acting is a difficult, ego damaging and heart hurting game. It shows.)

As a personal test, beyond looking, place your fingers on your sternum, using both hands. Be sure to be on the sternum, not on the ribs. Gently push in and release. You should feel the sternum move in and out under your fingers, and there should be no discomfort.

The seat of passion for life is found in the small of the back. In Chinese medicine, the kidneys, located in this region, are seen as the "feet" that propel the body forward; the kidneys are located in the small of the back.

The small of the back should have a neutral curve. Too "straight" and passion is blocked through force of will. Too curved and passion is blocked by giving up – collapsing.

The pelvic area is the source of passion. The back pelvic area is the home of passion for life. The front of the pelvis is home for sexual passion. The heat of the pelvis needs somewhere to go; you always, in Bodywork, open the pelvis last. More on that later.

I indicated in Body Tilt (see this section) that the pelvis should be in a neutral position front to back. The pelvis should also move freely. You can observe this by watching the person walk. There should be movement, not rigidity, in the pelvis.

Tipped – as above, for the shoulder. If the right side is high, this would indicate an excess of yang, male sexual energy. If the left side is high, an excess of yin or female sexual energy.

As to tilt, you can determine position two ways – by looking at the front of the pelvis or the butt. If the butt is back, creating a round derriere, we know that the genitals are also back. It’s as if the person is hiding their genitals by pulling them back. This is a marker of sexual insecurity, shyness or embarrassment.

The opposite tilt will cause the butt to look small, "boy-like," and of course, the genitals are thrust forward. This is a position of sexual comfort and perhaps aggressiveness sexually.

Fashion magazines featuring both North American and European models will often show these tilts. North Americans tend to be from "Puritan stock" – even those who immigrate, over a generation, will begin to pull the pelvis back. In North America, the pelvis is often tipped back.

In Europe, where there is more comfort with the body and sexuality is freer, the pelvis is often tilted forward.

As a test, move your pelvis. Rock it forward and back. The movement should feel even; as if your pelvis can move in either direction equally.

If you notice more movement forward than back, you can rest assured your pelvis is normally back.

If you notice more movement back than forward, your pelvis is normally forward.

Rock your pelvis in a circle, like doing a hula. Also rock it from side to side. Again, use the pelvic muscles, not the legs to make this movement. You're looking for ease and flow of movement.