Abdominal massage - the wonderful benefits of touch...
In one of the issues of the kayak magazine WIOSŁO, there was an article written by our physiotherapist. It concerned abdominal massage and, courtesy of the magazine's editors, we are publishing it below. This article will deal with the topic of therapeutic massage abdomen and the benefits of this type of massage. Benefits that are all the better for our diet, hydration and, of course, the quantity and quality of exercise. I would like to associate abdominal massage not only with its effect on the digestive system, as it has a much broader effect, including stimulating immune processes, but about that in a moment.
Massage The abdomen is also known as abdominal chiropractic or visceral therapy. It is performed by physiotherapists, massage therapists and, in some countries, doctors. It is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The great advantage of massage is that it can be performed intuitively on oneself. An abdominal massage given to another person, especially a loved one, promotes bonding. The very touch in the abdominal area has a soothing effect and causes the secretion of the happy hormone serotonin
Benefits of massage
The benefits of abdominal massage will be felt by people who have undergone surgery in the abdomen (appendectomy, gallbladder), women who have had a caesarean section, people suffering from heartburn, reflux, constipation, flatulence, as well as patients with pain in the lumbar spine and other peripheral joints (hips, knees and even shoulders). Many musculoskeletal pain problems can originate from malfunctioning internal organs. Massage is able to relax the abdominal shells and benefit the viscera.
How does abdominal massage affect the digestive system?
Massaging the abdomen improves the movement of food content in the intestines, including that which is deposited in the form of so-called faecal stones. The author of a book describing the effects of the Old-Fashioned abdominal massage reports that years ago it was very popular to combine abdominal massage with drinking castor oil and cleansing the intestines by means of an enema. This resulted in the removal of lingering food contents, which could weigh up to several kilograms. Nowadays, many people are returning to natural healing and cleansing methods.
In addition to improving intestinal peristalsis, massage treatments are ideal after a hearty meal. However, it should not be performed immediately after eating. It is best to wait about an hour and start the massage, focusing on the liver, stomach and gallbladder area. During the procedure, the stomach secretes substances that reduce muscle tension, the so-called benzodiazepines, which improve the quality of sleep. Which will be another benefit of an abdominal massage performed in the evening.
Evidence of the beneficial effects of abdominal massage
Improvement in skin condition is a phenomenon that occurs in practically all people who regularly massage their abdomen. The complexion brightens, becomes healthier, firmer which indirectly reduces cellulite. Evidence for this dates back more than a century ago, when Dr Ilia Metchnikov noted that putrefactive fermentation in the intestines was the main cause of premature skin ageing. Dr Mechnikov also noted that constipation and putrefactive fermentation of unabsorbed proteins, correlate with the incidence of cancer and degenerative changes in the body. This is undoubtedly another of the indications for taking care of the state of the digestive system and, in particular, the intestines.
Abdominal massage and the nervous system
In recent years, increasing attention has been focused on the effects of stress on the state of our bodies. It has been discovered that through the nervous system stress has a strong impact on the digestive system disrupting digestive processes. All abdominal organs are highly sensitive to the emotions we feel. This is due to millions of neurons located in the stomach and intestines, which form a separate functional structure called the enteric nervous system. Any strong stress, any form of anxiety, fear or aggression are emotions that disturb the digestive system. A poor diet - eating in a hurry, at irregular times, all of this causes impulses to reach the brain from the intestines that negatively affect our emotional state. If, on the other hand, we eat a healthy, tasty meal, the cells of the nervous system located in the intestines will send this information to the brain, so the saying 'through the stomach to the heart' turns out to be a scientifically valid claim.
Abdominal massage and the immune system
The last of the benefits of abdominal massage relates to immunity. Why such a powerful effect of the abdomen on our health? Well, as much as 80% of all immune cells are found in the gut! It is worth remembering this and taking care of your diet, especially in the context of building up immunity before the autumn/winter season. Don't forget natural products that benefit digestion and the entire digestive system. These include natural probiotics - sauerkraut, cucumbers, beetroot, natural antibiotics such as garlic and onions, and spices, mainly the anti-inflammatory turmeric (containing curcuminoids, which, importantly, have a more effective effect in combination with the piperine contained in black pepper) and ginger.
How long after a meal should you wait to give an abdominal massage?
In addition to improving intestinal peristalsis, massage treatments are ideal after a hearty meal. However, it should not be performed immediately after eating. It is best to wait an hour or so and start the massage, focusing on the liver, stomach and gallbladder area. During the treatment, the stomach releases substances that reduce muscle tension, known as benzodiazepines, which improve the quality of sleep. Which will be another benefit of an abdominal massage performed in the evening.
Contraindications to abdominal massage
It is worth starting with whether we have any contraindications to the procedure. These include cancer, abdominal wounds, acute abdominal pain, thrombosis, pregnancy (first trimester), venereal disease and infections with an elevated body temperature.
In the absence of contraindications, it is important to remember the order in which the compressions are performed.
How to massage the abdomen properly?
The massage starts at a distance of about 3 finger thicknesses from the navel, on the navel-right nipple line, where the so-called sphincter of Oddi (1),gallbladder (2) is located, then the bile ducts (3), liver (4), pancreas (5), large intestine in three directions (6 with arrows), small intestine (7). Massage each organ until relaxed, but no longer than 2 minutes. Placing the hands on the abdomen, apply pressure until hardening or pain is felt. If this occurs, withdraw your hands so that the pressure does not cause pain but only mild discomfort. We can increase the pressure when the tissues in the area become soft and painless.
How do you prepare for an abdominal massage?
Approximately two days before the first abdominal massage, it is advisable to switch to an easily digestible diet and to adequately hydrate the body. Just before the massage, the bladder and bowels should be emptied. The massage position depends on whether you are massaging the abdomen for yourself or for another person. For self-massage, a sitting position with comfortable back support works well. On the other hand, if you are being massaged by another person, then a supine position with slightly bent knee joints is recommended.
I wish you an enjoyable massage and much good health!!! 🙂
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