Tummy Troubles???

 

Abdominal or stomach massage often gets overlooked in the overall benefit of massage, while there is little debate to the benefits of a full body massage.

For adults as well as for infants and young children, massaging the abdominal area promotes digestion, alleviates gastric upsets, soothes the nerves related therein, and benefits the organs that are interconnected with the stomach, as well as the intestinal tract.

A stomach massage can be done either in conjunction with a full body massage or can be used specifically to deal with certain digestive and stress issues. It is not uncommon for the digestive process to become interrupted when one is dealing with significant stress or tension.

Abdominal aches, gas, and a “knot” in the gut are all typical reactions to stress and pressure. For individuals of all ages with these stress related issues, a stomach massage can not only alleviate the symptoms, but can actually alleviate some of the stress which causes the symptoms.

Most abdominal massages are done using a firm but gentle pressure, beginning under the rib cage and working clockwise around the area with small but meaningful circular motions. A circle should be completed no less than twice. For many individuals, both grown and growing, abdominal massages can be so beneficial that often the massage is completed four or five times in one sitting.

Abdominal massages can be excellent for stimulating the bowel movements that can become irregular or infrequent due to stress, dietary issues, medication, or other health issues. The muscles of the bowels require some form of stimulation in order to function appropriately. If undulation does not occur, the movement of the bowels becomes sluggish or nearly stops.

A firm and intentional abdominal massage can often help stimulate these muscles and facilitate the movements of the bowels. This works for adults, children, and infants. The pelvic region and genitals are not considered part of a stomach massage.

Colicky infants can benefit greatly from an abdominal massage. There are as many opinions about colic as there are babies who suffer from it. However, there has been documented evidence that stomach massages can create a soothing muscular action which helps relieve infants from colicky feelings and promote peaceful rest during the evening hours. Colic is most likely a digestive issue in infants, and the process of abdominal massage tends to ease the strain of the digestive issue.

Adults as well tend to develop these same digestive issues, we just no longer refer to it as colic. Rather we call it indigestion, acid reflux, gas, bloating, and other forms of digestive malfunction.

When abdominal massage is done correctly, the muscular lining of the abdominal wall activates appropriate muscle activity within the organs protected by the muscular wall. This of course increases the likelihood of a well functioning digestive system.

While healthy eating habits and proper exercise are also excellent for a healthy digestive tract,adding a abdominal massage to the regimen can increase other efforts by at least 25% or more.

The stomach is considered the “core” of the body. Exercise based in control of the stomach muscles such as yoga, abdominal flattening exercise, and meditative exercises are all focused around the strengthening the core.

The reason for this is that so much energy within the body transfers through the core. Emotions as well as physical exertion all can be stimulated or related to the core of the human body. An appropriate abdominal massage can increase the effectiveness of all surrounding organs, ease the tension associated with those organs, and release the inner emotions carried in the core.

Abdominal massages are one of the few forms of relief that one is capable of providing for him or her self. Back/foot and neck massages all carry similar emotional benefits to stomach massage, but without a willing participant, these massages can not be performed in a solitary state.

While it is best if a stomach massage is performed by a willing participant, in a pinch, it can be performed by oneself and create the same effect, making it an immediate and accessible form of self love behavior. I know I have many fond memories of my Mom rubbing my tummy when I wasn’t feeling well; and I know my dog sure loves having her belly rubbed!

If you are really having tummy troubles, and a abdominal massage doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, you might want to consider a colonic treatment. Interested in colonics?  Go see my friend Robbie.  I have been seeing her almost a decade!  She is amazing!!!  She is offering a $49/special through the end of the year!  Tell her I sent you.

http://rmc342.wix.com/colonics-by-robbie