Why Abdominal Massage?

 

The abdomen houses vital organs and is a very important part of the body. The abdominal cavity comprises of the stomach, diaphragm, colon, small intestine, liver, pancreas, and gall bladder. The health of the abdomen lies with the stomach, the digestion process and reproductive organs.

The peristaltic waves of the alimentary canal (The muscular contractions of the alimentary canal in wave like fashion move contents toward the opening) begin in the upper stomach and continue down through the rectum where fecal matter is eliminated. In a healthy person, such a wave starts every 20 seconds during digestion. But, when the digestive system is unable to actively digest a meal peristalsis waves slows down. Ideally, the peristaltic waves must be able to flow uninhibited through the entire digestive tract in order to ensure the proper functioning of the intestines.

When the digestion process is inhibited due to illness, malabsorption or inactivity due to a stagnant lifestyle the abdomen undergoes immense stress from the muscles (attached from the spine to the pelvis for support) and the well connected fascia (sticky-like layer between skin, fat and muscle )network that hold the organs within the abdominal cavity. Such stress in the abdominal area may lead to pain in the sides, lower back pain, inguinal and joint pain at the pelvis. Sometimes, even the ribs may get affected.

Other problems related to the abdomen include: abdominal disorders like IBS (Crone’s or Ulcerative Colitis), spastic colon, chronic constipation, dislocation of female reproductive organs and problems caused by dislocation such as miscarriages, infections, premature birth, weak new borns, backache, difficult menopause etc.
Hence, the abdominal massage is highly effective remedy in removing obstructions, correcting dislocations and restoring the harmonious flow.

Abdomen massage helps open the abdominal cavity and release the fascia so the organs can lay unrestricted in their natural positions in the abdominal cavity.

 

The key benefits an abdominal massage can provide include:

• General improvement in blood circulation benefits the blood vessels in the abdominal cavity.
• The veins transport the blood depleted of oxygen to the heart more quickly and the arteries respond by supplying the body cells with freshly oxygenated blood. 
• The liver, the gall-bladder, and the pancreas receive a large share of oxygen and nutrients and release their metabolic waste products such as carbonic acid into the bloodstream.

How abdominal massage performed?

Here are some basic guidelines to an abdominal massage: An abdomen massage requires the person to lie on their back, knees supported by bolsters. The abdomen is left exposed for the therapist to massage, with the chest and pelvis draped to the comfort of the person. The therapist begins the massage by warming the fascia, employing strokes from the descending colon, around to the transverse and then to the ascending colon. The therapist assists the release of the connective network, and often frees the bowel to perform its function naturally. Warm oil or regular massage lotions are favored lubricants for this type of massage. Heat may also be applied for a better result though it is not necessary. An abdominal massage can be done specifically or along with a full body massage.

 

Precautions
Abdominal Massage is not recommended for certain people:

immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor

• Who has femoral, inguinal and umbilical hernia, inflammation of the uterus, bladder, ovaries and fallopian tubes, kidney stones, bladder or gall bladder, ulcers of the stomach and intestines, and pregnancy?
• Prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
• Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage.
• Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

 

Additional tips
below can consider when you want to go for a massage.

• Don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage, but after one hours or so.
• The bladder should be emptied before the massage.
• During Adminal massage it might be necessary to use the restroom.  This is NORMAL.  Just let your therapist know.