Abdominal Massage: Benefits, Risks and How to Do It Yourself

Abdominal massage can help with constipation, menstrual cramps, bloating, and can improve digestion. Below you will see all the benefits of this treatment.

What is abdominal massage or stomach massage

Abdominal massage, which can sometimes be referred to as stomach massage, is a mild, non-invasive massage therapy which can have relaxing and healing effects for some people.

It is used to treat a wide variety of health problems, especially those related to the stomach, such as digestion, constipation and bloating.

You can give yourself a tummy massage or visit a massage therapist for a session. You can benefit from the results of abdominal massage after only 5 or 10 minutes of massage a day. Keep reading to learn more about this self-healing technique.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before getting a belly massage if you are pregnant or have any health concerns.

The benefits of abdominal massage

According to American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage therapy can have a positive effect on people's physical, mental and social well-being. It is thought to improve overall health and well-being. Abdominal massage can provide these additional benefits.

1. Improves digestive function

Stomach massage has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine. It has been used as a centuries-old practice to detoxify the body and improve digestive health. Since emotional stress is held in the gut, massaging the stomach can help reduce tension and heal the emotional body – resulting in fewer digestive issues. As the muscles in the stomach relax, digestion is stimulated and clients can enjoy less stomach upset such as gas, bloating and cramping. Gentle pressure applied in a clockwise motion around the stomach can help those with severe digestive problems as well as those with an endotracheal tube.

2. Relieves constipation

Abdominal massage can relieve constipation and help improve bowel movements and frequency. As the stomach muscles relax with gentle, sustained pressure, the digestive system "wakes up" and gets everything moving. Studies on abdominal massage and constipation found that the group that received stomach massages experienced a decrease in constipation and an increase in regular, healthy bowel movements. Incorporating essential oils such as peppermint can also enhance the benefits of abdominal massage. Massage therapists can also focus on the CV6 and CV12 acupoints to further improve symptoms of constipation.

3. Strengthens the immune system

Ένα σημαντικό μέρος του ανοσοποιητικού μας συστήματος βρίσκεται μέσα στο έντερο. Ένα υγιές έντερο συμβάλλει στην καλύτερη συνολική υγεία και ανοσία, βοηθώντας το σώμα μας να καταπολεμήσει τους ιούς και τις ασθένειες. Κάνοντας ένα μασάζ στην κοιλιά, το λεμφικό σύστημα διεγείρεται, οδηγώντας σε αποτοξίνωση και ενίσχυση του φυσικού αμυντικού συστήματος του οργανισμού.

4. Βελτιώνει τη στάση του σώματος

Abdominal muscles make up your core muscle group. If the muscles in the core are weak or too tight, it can lead to poor form and poor posture resulting in injury. Abdominal massage can correct this by relaxing the abdominal muscles and improving elasticity. This makes the muscles more fluid and able to achieve a full range of motion and function.

5. Releases physical tension and emotional stress

Most people have felt a "knot in the gut" when they are stressed or anxious. This unpleasant feeling can be accompanied by trapped gas and muscle spasms, including pelvic floor dysfunction. The act of massaging the abdomen has psychological and physical benefits. First, massage induces relaxation, allowing the nervous system to regulate and inducing a sense of calm in the mind and body. Second, physical pressure applied to the stomach releases any knots or physical tension associated with emotional stress.

6. Relieve PMS pain

Those who experience PMS are no strangers to stomach-related issues such as pain, cramping, bloating, gas and indigestion. From menstruation to ovulation and reproductive-related issues like PCOS and endometriosis, women's bodies are susceptible to pain and sensitivities in the abdominal and pelvic region. Abdominal massage can act as natural pain relief for PMS and related symptoms by reducing muscle spasms, relaxing stomach and pelvic floor muscles, and improving overall mood.

See them all the health benefits of massage

Is belly massage safe?

In general, abdominal massage is safe for most people as long as it is done in a gentle and safe way:

• Do not massage the abdomen if you have recently had abdominal surgery.
• Talk to your doctor before getting a belly massage if you are pregnant or have any health concerns.
• It is best not to eat heavy or spicy food for a few hours before and after a belly massage.
• Drink plenty of water after the massage.

How to massage the abdomen

To do μασάζ στην κοιλιά στον εαυτό σας:

• Lie on your back with your stomach open.
• Cup your hands over your lower abdomen and hold them here as you focus on your breathing.
• Warm up your hands by rubbing them together for about 30 seconds.
• Apply any oils you are using.
• Use the palm of your hand to massage your entire stomach clockwise several times.
• Next, massage the center line of your abdomen, starting below your sternum and ending at your pubic bone.
• Make three more lines an inch apart down the left side of the belly.
• Do the same on the right side of the abdomen.
• Then press your fingers into your navel firmly.
• Continue massaging with gentle pressure and circle outward from your belly button clockwise.
• You can spend extra time on specific areas or activate spots that you feel need more attention.
• Do this for up to 20 minutes.

See how to massage the belly for the gut on yourself

If you don't feel comfortable being massaged, you can also have your belly massaged by a massage therapist. Call before making your appointment to see if the therapist does belly massages. Not all masseuses provide this service.

in conclusion

Abdominal massage is a low-risk treatment option that you can use to help many health conditions. It is up to you if you want to do it yourself or have a session with a massage therapist.

Even if you visit a massage therapist, you may want to spend some time each day doing self-massage, especially if you're trying to address a specific problem.

Always see your doctor for any serious condition or if any of your symptoms worsen or become severe.