Abdomen Massage
Sharon Hopkins
What is Abdomen 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.
Benefits of an abdominal massage
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 does one render an abdominal massage?
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 castor 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.
Incase of self massage, it is advisable to do an abdominal
massage in the mornings and evenings while lying in bed for
about 15-30 minutes. With regard to self massage, it is
believed that the effectiveness of the massage depends upon the
sensitivity to the upward and downward movements (expansion and
contraction) of the abdomen. Which means it is important to use
softer strokes and light pressure on the abdominal walls and one
can intensify the massage strokes with gentle vibrations during
the exhalation when required.
As a practice, keep the strokes in tandem with the breath
because stimulating the diaphragm will not only enhance the
abdominal massage but also encourage deeper abdominal
breathing. During inhalation, the hands should follow the
expansion of the abdomen. During exhalation, the hands must
move along with the contraction. Remember: the pressure applied
by the hands is almost zero while inhaling, whereas it
intensifies in pressure when exhaling.
Just before exhalation, draw nine circles counter-clockwise
with the right hand on the right side, followed by nine circles
clockwise with the left hand on the left side. Then exhale. The
pressure should be just enough to move the skin lightly. The
circles should only be as large as the stretched skin permits.
The circular motions push the abdominal wall against the
intestines. Be sensitive to the strokes and notice the soft
structure of the intestine underneath the abdominal wall.
Unless one is able to feel the intestine, one may not be able
to experience the benefits of the massage.
Continue to draw the circular motions with both hands such that
both the hands move towards each other. The right hand moves
counter-clockwise, the left hand clockwise. Both hands are
moved from the lower outside region of the abdomen to the
center. Once they reach the center the hands are moved upward,
then to the sides and downward. Thus, each hand draws one
circle on the right and one on the left side of the abdomen.
Complete the abdominal massage by combining the circles with
gentle vibrations. These soft strokes stimulate the entire
intestine. One can continue doing so for three to five minutes.
It is also advisable to take a 3-5 minutes break between strokes
applied to the abdomen.
Other Known Abdominal Massage Therapies:
With the success and popularity of massage therapies various
traditionally followed techniques have come to light. Some such
known therapies used to treat and massage the abdomen include:
• Mayan Abdominal Massage: A traditional Latin American form of
abdominal massage which treats all problems related to the
abdomen for men and women.
• CNT: or Chi Nei Tsang is an abdominal massage therapy from
China also known as a healing massage developed with the
objective to ease digestion and eliminate toxins and create a
free flow of chi or energy in the body.
About The Author: Sharon Hopkins features articles for
http://www.massagehealththerapy.com , which explains various
massage techniques. This article introduces you to Abdomen
Massage, a massage technique with several benefits. She also
writes on Yoga, Aromatherapy, Hair-n-Skin Care and many more
sites.
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