When you think about abdominal massage, does it sound appealing? I understand if it doesn’t. The belly is a vulnerable area, protected only by muscle and adipose tissue (a scientific word for body fat). It houses vital organs that just seem so…fragile. But this delicate area has a lot to tell us, and we’re not just talking about all that borborygmus before dinner. Yup, “borborygmus.” How’s that for an onomatopoeic word to describe your intestines’ rumbling tunes?
With increasing frequency, clients are requesting abdominal massage for a multitude of concerns. People find that this kind of massage can be life changing. Abdominal massage can transform a person physically, emotionally and mentally.
The abdominal area plays host to so much emotion, tension and stress, and does so for any number of complicated reasons. Perhaps your tissues are knotted from a lifetime of holding patterns (for example, stored tension as a result of trauma). Maybe you are holding on to feelings of anger, resentment, frustration, anxiety, heartache, sorrow or fear. Or perhaps your movement is being restricted by poor postural habits when you sit, stand, walk or sleep.
Unhealthy abdominal tension—whether its cause is physical, mental, or both—affects the flow of blood and nutrients, as well as lymph and nerve conduction, to the diaphragm, epigastrium and pelvic region. Such congestion can cause both acute and chronic conditions. Yes, this includes the type of bowel activity and/or gas that sends people scurrying to a safety zone. But it also goes beyond indigestion to other common complaints including uncomfortable sexual relations, shortness of breath, painful or irregular menstrual cycles, chronic vaginal infections and chronic inflamed lymph nodes in the groin.
Keep in mind that the abdomen is the central anatomical powerhouse of the body, so proper function there is essential for nourishing your entirety.
Abdominal massage will knead and rub this nexus of nerves, muscles, connective tissue and organs. In the process, tension can disappear, breathing becomes easier, pooping more satisfying and productive, bloating decreased and menstrual flow/regularity improved. Abdominal massage also aids in liver, gallbladder and pancreas function. It promotes the release of adhesions and toxins, increases blood and lymph flow, promotes the absorption of oxygen, helps discharge waste and encourages pelvic bones and muscles into proper alignment. There are also benefits for fertility when you increase circulation to the ovaries and the uterus.
Here at Element, we have a number of practitioners, including myself and Megan B., trained in the Arvigo Techniques for Maya Abdominal Therapy. This therapy is world-renowned, known for its focused abdominal work to help address various health conditions and concerns.
So, go with your gut! Come try an abdominal massage at Element soon.
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.