Abdominal Massage Therapy for Improved Digestion and So Much More…
Did you know that the practice of abdominal massage promotes both a physical as well as psychological sense of well-being in your life? Like any other form of massage, it delivers a deep sense of relaxation and freedom from stress but it offers other specific health benefits too.
Toxicity from poor eating habits, stressful living, lack of regular exercise can affect the proper functioning of the gut and can compromise the healthy operation of your immune system, nervous system, hormonal functions as well as other body processes.
Abdominal massage stimulates the body’s primary digestive functions, which keep the gut operating at peak efficiency and promotes detoxification throughout the whole body.
What is Abdominal Massage?
Sometimes known as stomach massage, abdominal massage is a gentle, non-invasive therapeutic technique that focuses on the stomach and pelvic area to help relieve such problems as digestive complications, constipation, muscle spasms, bloating, menstrual pain and stress-related issues that arise in the gut.
Abdominal or digestive system issues can often be the result of knots or blockages in the tissue and muscles that surround the organs in this area of the body. Visceral Massage is the type of abdominal massage that specifically addresses the release these of fascial restrictions in the abdomen and pelvis. This protocol restores normal function and movement of internal organs, which relieves the symptoms and discomfort.
Your gut has its own brain that is constantly communicating with your physical brain.
Abdominal massage plays a significant role in maintaining the balance and flow in the communication system (hormones, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and chemicals) between the gut and the physical brain. Research has identified the gut as having its own intelligence that works with the physical brain through a neural network within the digestive system called the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). This complex system directs the brain outputs for digestive and stress-related responses in much the same way as the Central Nervous System communicates body needs to the physical brain.
The Physiology of the Abdominal Structure
The abdominal area is home to many organs that are connected to digestion and elimination in the body. The kidneys, adrenals, liver, pancreas, large and small intestine, gall bladder, and stomach comprise the inner organs that are supported by fascia (connective) and muscle tissue that holds them in place. Ribs and costal structures provide a solid structure of protection, which is further cushioned by the outer skin and its underlying epidural layers.
Benefits
Abdominal massage promotes rapid relief of symptoms and body lifelong health. Some of the issues that can be effectively treated include:
Constipation, muscle spasms and abdominal pain – Massaging the abdomen relaxes stomach muscles, which allows for digestion and relief of constipation.
Bloating – Bloating is the result of malfunction of metabolism, which results in a build up of wastes in the body. Abdominal massage helps normalise metabolic function and release the built-up body wastes.
Decreased blood and oxygen flow diminishes optimum function of such organs as the gall bladder and liver that results in toxic waste build-up in the body. Massage improves circulation that supports improved waste elimination.
Slow or impaired digestion – Massage of the stomach can stimulate intestines and encourage proper and efficient digestive activities.
‘Knotted’ or upset stomach due to stress – Abdominal massage stimulates the natural production of calming chemical, serotonin, in the gut, which promotes relaxation of the tightness and a sense of peace and well-being
Problematic menstrual symptoms research has shown that abdominal massage used in combination with specific essential oils can help mitigate painful menstrual cramps and regulate menstrual bleeding.
Additional benefits of abdominal massage include toning of abdominal muscles, weight loss (when used with aromatherapy) and breaking down of internal adhesions and scar tissue.
Note – Abdominal massage is not recommended in all situations. Contact your doctor before abdominal massage if you are pregnant, have kidney stones, gallstones, bladder issues, hernias, ulcers, internal bleeding or have had recent surgery in any abdominal organs.
Your health and in particular, your digestive health, matters to your vitality and your ability to heal effectively. Abdominal massage is a pivotal protocol that simply and effectively helps you accomplish your short and long-term well-being goals.