When you think about abdominal massage, does it sound appealing? The belly is a vulnerable area, protected only by muscle and adipose tissue, and 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, women and men are requesting abdominal massage for a multitude of concerns. People are finding that this kind of massage can be life changing. Abdominal massage can transform a person physically, emotionally and mentally.
The abdominal area can play host to much emotion, tension and stress, and does so for any number of complicated reasons (and combinations of 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, nutrients, 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 include other common complaints, from uncomfortable sexual relations to shortness of breath, to painful or irregular menstrual cycles, or chronic vaginal infections, or chronic inflamed lymph nodes in the groin. And, keep in mind that the abdomen is the central anatomical powerhouse of the body, so proper function there is essential for nourishing the rest of you, as well.
Abdominal massage will knead and rub this nexus of nerves, muscles, connective tissue and areas affecting actual organs. 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. Abdominal massage can also increase fertility by improving circulation to the ovaries and the uterus.
So, go with your gut! Abdominal massage can be extremely healing for a broad range of issues for a broad range of people, from infants to the elderly and everyone in between.