What is an abdominal massage?
An abdominal massage is a gentle manual stimulation of the abdominal region. It relaxes the muscles of the abdomen and intestines, stimulates peristalsis (intestinal movement) and thus supports digestion. There are various massage techniques, most of which use only light pressure.
A special form of abdominal massage is colon massage. Here, certain points of the colon are massaged with pressure to relieve symptoms of chronic irritable bowel syndrome. Colon massage should always be left to a physiotherapist, as it requires specific knowledge of the intestinal anatomy.
When is the abdominal massage used?
The most important area of application of abdominal massage is disturbed intestinal function, which can manifest itself in a distended abdomen, flatulence, constipation (constipation) and possibly accompanying abdominal pain.
In addition, there are other areas of use, for example, circulatory disorders, stress, irritable bowel syndrome and menstrual pain. Abdominal massage can also gently relax the abdomen during pregnancy and with the baby.
Abdominal massage for flatulence
Abdominal massage for constipation
The situation is similar with constipation. If the bowel moves very slowly, food remains in it longer and builds up. Affected people sometimes do not have a bowel movement for several days. An abdominal massage stimulates intestinal peristalsis – the bowel gets moving and the time the stool remains in the bowel is significantly shortened.
Abdominal massage for bowel emptying
Sometimes the stool remains in the intestine so long that it becomes hard. Those affected then have great difficulty excreting it. With an abdominal massage, especially a colon massage, the stuck stool can be loosened. It can then be excreted more easily.
Other areas of application
Experts also know other areas of application for an abdominal massage, for example:
- Circulatory disorders: The abdominal massage stimulates blood circulation in the abdomen, so that more oxygen and nutrients arrive there.
- Weight loss: Good digestion – stimulated by regular abdominal massages – improves metabolism, which can support dieting.
- Period pain: An abdominal massage relaxes the uterine muscles, which contract repeatedly and usually with pain during menstruation.
- Back pain: Back pain can sometimes be managed with an abdominal massage – if the discomfort is due to tense abdominal muscles.
- Irritable bowel syndrome: The typical symptoms (chronic abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea and constipation) can be treated supportively with colon massage.
Abdominal massage during pregnancy
During pregnancy, an abdominal massage can be very beneficial – for the expectant mother and the unborn child. This is because the massage relaxes and relieves the stressed abdominal muscles. It is also a good way of establishing physical contact with the baby at an early stage and giving it a feeling of closeness, warmth and security.
Abdominal massage for babies
Many babies suffer from flatulence, constipation and abdominal pain in the first weeks and months – the complaints are summarized under the term “three-month colic”. A gentle abdominal massage can help: It relaxes and promotes the baby’s intestinal activity. In addition, abdominal massage is said to promote the release of “feel-good hormones” such as dopamine and serotonin.
How is the abdominal massage applied?
It is very easy to perform an abdominal massage by yourself. All you need are your hands and some time. Usually, an abdominal self-massage lasts between 5 and 15 minutes. If you like, you can massage your belly every morning, right after waking up in bed. This way you will start the day with a relaxed belly.
Abdominal massage: instructions
Abdominal massage – Example 1
To set the mood, a short hand massage with stroking movements over the abdominal wall is recommended. This stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates the mobility of the intestines and the production of digestive secretions.
This is followed by abdominal massage. To do this, place your hands on the abdomen. Massage the area between the rib cage and the base of the pubic bone, as follows:
- Stroke the abdominal wall six times with the flat of the hand.
- Six times run the flat of the hand lengthwise over the abdominal wall.
- Sweep the abdominal wall six times in a clockwise circular motion.
Repeat the sequence for about five minutes. Apply light pressure to the abdominal wall during the hand movements.
Abdominal massage – Example 2
Take five minutes and lie flat on your back. Place your right hand on your abdomen at the level of your navel. Now stroke clockwise in a circular motion around the belly button. Alternate between light and stronger pressure. Make sure to always perform the stroking movements with the whole hand. There should be a slow, flowing gliding motion.
Abdominal massage during pregnancy
Baby belly massage
Choose a flat surface for the baby belly massage, for example the changing table, and place your baby on it. Put a little oil, for example caraway or fennel oil, on the baby’s belly and place your right hand gently to the right of the navel. Let your baby get used to the body contact first.
The left hand holds the baby by the hip or thigh. Now stroke in a circle around the navel with the flat of your hand – while doing so, perform the abdominal massage in a clockwise direction, i.e. always to the right. This is because this corresponds to the peristalsis of the intestines and thus the path of food through the intestines. Repeat the massage ten times.
Then circle around the navel with small, spiral movements. Feel free to apply a little pressure to stimulate the intestines. Repeat this exercise ten times as well.
Finally, “walk” around your child’s belly button with your index, middle and ring fingers. To do this, move all three fingers around the navel with quick, tapping motions and a little pressure.
For a gentle finish, leave your hands on the baby’s belly for a few minutes after the massage.
Be careful to massage the baby’s belly only with warm hands.
Colon massage (colonic massage)
If you still want to do a colon massage yourself, ask your physiotherapist for the right method and practice with him or her before you try it yourself.
When is abdominal massage not suitable?
You should refrain from abdominal massage in the following cases:
- directly after an abdominal operation
- @ in case of skin diseases in the abdominal region
- in case of diarrhea
- in case of inflammations and tumors in the abdominal region
- @ in case of acute intestinal obstruction
What should I pay attention to when massaging the abdomen?
Here are some tips for an effective abdominal massage:
- Retreat to a quiet, warm and pleasant environment for the abdominal massage.
- Support the relaxing atmosphere, for example, with scented candles and quiet, calm music.
- For the abdominal massage, the person should lie comfortably on his back (e.g. in bed).
- Always massage the abdomen with warm hands.
- Use scented oils to promote the relaxing effect. For example, lemon, rosemary and peppermint oils are suitable.
- Always do the abdominal massage in a clockwise direction, i.e. in a circular motion from the right to the left side of the abdomen.
- After the abdominal massage, rest a little more, it is best to stay lying down for a while.
If there is no serious illness behind your intestinal complaints, you can treat yourself to a relaxing abdominal massage every day.
