Abdominal Massage can be a remedy for a very broad range of physical and emotional discomforts and ailments. Nevertheless, one of the most popular goals is to get relief from cramps, constipation, and/or excessive gas in the intestinal region, either by an Abdominal Self-Massage or by a treatment given by a massage therapist.
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In fact, an Abdominal Massage affects the entire Gastrointestinal Tract (GI Tract), which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, the pancreas, the large and small intestines, and anus. It also profoundly stimulates the abdominal and pelvic tissues and muscles.
There can be various reasons why a person suffers from abdominal cramps, constipation, or excessive gas, which may include the consumption of certain types of food and drinks, imbalanced intestinal microbiota environment, too little physical exercise and subsequent poor bowel movement, or specific intestinal ailments, to name a few issues.
To expel gas and stimulate the excretion of feces (pooping or defecation) you typically massage the abdominal region by making small circular, clockwise movements (in the direction of the anus) with the (warm) hand palms or with the fingers. It can be convenient and pleasant to use massage oil.
Typically, you would start around the navel, while simultaneously massaging with circular movements and following the direction of your digestion and evacuation, spiraling out in ever larger circles across the abdominal area to finally cover the complete abdomen. You can repeat this process by starting again around the navel.
Another way to stimulate the intestines, relieve bloating, and help releasing obstructive gas is to repeatedly bend the knees to the chest (either with both knees simultaneously or one knee after the other, like pedaling), or by bringing your toes to the nose.
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There are also several Yoga poses that can help stimulating the abdominal area, such as the Balasana Child’s Pose, which is a well-known Yogic technique to release gas from the intestines.
Additionally, you can massage or gently press the abdominal area with warm herbal compresses (or alternatively: heated pads, warm water bags, etc.), which can also give significant relief of abdominal pains and irritations, can promote pooping, while profoundly stimulating the blood circulatory system.
A stand-alone belly rub can be applied at any time, notably when you experience abdominal troubles, but it could also be more structurally incorporated into your life by giving it as part of a Full Body Massage, one or two times per week.
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