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Abdominal Massage

 

Abdominal massage is a slow gentle technique that reduces tension in the abdominal area.

• TECHNIQUE: Can be applied fully clothed or as a part of the therapeutic massage session. Gentle, slow, but firm strokes are used in a clockwise pattern following the vital organs in the abdominal cavity.

• BENEFIT: Relaxes abdominal muscles, increases respiration and enhances digestion.

The abdomen is often left untreated during a massage session. That is unfortunate, in my opinion; I think that the abdomen is a very integral element of the human body and should be addressed. There are several muscle tissues as well as vital organs that can be gently addressed. It can be a very healing and cleansing process; deep breathing is certainly encouraged for this massage technique.

Some clients can feel uneasy about having their abdomen massaged, depending on their level of comfort. For women the massage therapist will put a thick towel over the breast tissue for privacy, and comfort. Men have the option of having their chests covered or not. If at any point during the massage the client feels uncomfortable it is completely acceptable to tell the therapist, and the therapist will ensure that the clients needs are addressed.

 

Many persons believe that abdominal massage can provide relief from intestinal discomfort and nausea in adults, children and infants. Much scientific research shows that massage balances hormone levels, reduces stress, leads to clarity of thought, and enhances concentration. Massage can also induce relaxation to stimulate digestion. When pressure is placed on the abdomen, underlying structures are compressed and pushed out of the way. An effleurage stroke can mechanically push intestinal contents through the intestines. Massage can also stimulate peristaltic contractions of the intestines, which is the bodys natural mechanism for pushing contents through the digestive tract toward the rectum. The individual effleurage strokes must be applied in the same direction (clockwise) as peristalsis to enhance digestive progress.

Abdominal massage for digestive enhancement uses an approach similar to that for venous enhancement and lymphatic drainage, in which you start closest to the outlet or drain, and progressively move farther away from it. Strokes should be slow and firm rather than quick and light.


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Works Cited
Braun, Mary Beth., and Stephanie J. Simonson. Introduction to Massage Therapy. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005. Print.
 

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