Unlocking the Secret: How Massage Can Relieve Constipation!

You may be surprised to learn that massage can help relieve constipation and abdominal pain. In fact, it is one of the most effective natural remedies for this condition. Massage helps stimulate the digestive system and encourages bowel movements. It also helps improve blood circulation and relaxes the muscles in the abdominal area. In this blog post, we will discuss how massage can help constipation, as well as some of the other benefits associated with this treatment.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a common digestive condition characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements. In individuals experiencing constipation, the stool becomes hard, dry, and challenging to pass, leading to discomfort and straining during bowel evacuation. This condition occurs when the muscles in the colon contract slowly, causing a delay in the movement of waste through the intestines.

Various factors can contribute to constipation, including a lack of dietary fiber, inadequate fluid intake, a sedentary lifestyle, certain medications, and underlying health issues. While generally not a severe medical concern, chronic constipation can negatively impact a person’s quality of life, and it is essential to address the condition through dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and, if necessary, medical intervention.

Can Massage Loosen Your Bowels?

There’s no doubt that a good massage can feel relaxing. But can it also help alleviate constipation?

The short answer is yes! Massage can help to loosen the stool and make it easier to pass. It can also help to stimulate the digestive system, which can be helpful in restoring regularity. The massage therapist will massage your abdomen. Typically clients who receive these massage techniques need to have a bowel movement within a few hours.

So if you’re struggling with constipation, don’t hesitate to give massage a try. You may be surprised at just how effective this home remedy can be.

Can Massage Help With Other Digestive Issues?

In addition to constipation, massage can also help with other digestive issues like gas, bloating, and indigestion and possibly even irritable bowel syndrome. So if you’re experiencing any of these problems, consider giving massage a try.

It’s important to note that massage is not a cure-all for digestive issues. But it can be a helpful tool in managing these problems and keeping your digestive system healthy.

If you’re interested in trying massage for yourself, consider finding a qualified therapist, like the massage therapists at Body Ache Escape, in your area. Massage can be an incredibly effective way to improve your digestive health. So don’t hesitate to give it a try!

Where Do You Massage For Constipation?

Massaging your stomach can be an effective and natural way to alleviate constipation and promote better bowel movement. By gently applying pressure and performing specific massage techniques on the abdomen, you can stimulate the muscles and nerves in the digestive tract, encouraging peristalsis—the rhythmic contractions responsible for moving waste through the intestines. This can help to soften and mobilize stool, making it easier to pass. The “I-L-U” or “I Love U” belly massage, where you trace the letters “I,” “L,” and “U” on your belly, is one such technique that has shown positive results for constipation relief (described in detail below). Additionally, abdominal massage can help to relax the abdominal muscles, reduce bloating, and improve overall gastrointestinal function. It is essential to perform the massage gently and consistently, following proper techniques, and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional if constipation persists or if there are any underlying health concerns.

Is there a pressure point to relieve constipation?

There may be. In a 2012 study, researchers found that stimulating the perineum—the area between the anus and scrotum in men, or between the anus and vulva in women—could help to manage constipation discomfort. The researchers concluded that perineal stimulation may be “a new promising non-invasive therapy” for constipation.

But before you start giving yourself a perineal massage, there’s one important caveat: The study was very small, involving only 30 people. And it’s not clear how long the effects of perineal stimulation last. So more research is needed to confirm whether this approach is effective for relieving constipation.

If you’re interested in trying perineal stimulation for constipation relief, ask your doctor or another healthcare provider first. They can help you to determine whether this approach is right for you. While this is not something we perform at Body Ache Escape Massage Center, you are able to perform it on yourself.

The SJ6 acupressure point helps in the relief of constipation.  Apparently, these points stimulate the lower jaw, including kidneys, intestines, and bladder. For acupressure: Locate SJ6, three fingers wide at your wrist creases on the outer part of your arm. Press on the point with your opposite thumb or index finger. Apply circular pressure for 1 to 3 minutes. Repeat on your other arm.

Does massage for constipation work?

The abdominal massage relieves irritants caused by several physiological reasons. This stimulates peristalsis, lowers intestinal time, and increases frequent abdominal bowel movements. Yes, it really does work!

How do you Massage Yourself for Constipation?

There are a few different ways that you can massage yourself to get rid of constipation. One way is to stimulate the perineum, as mentioned above. Another way is to massage the lower abdomen in a clockwise direction. This technique is called “self abdominal massage”.

Abdominal Self Massage may help to improve bowel movements by breaking up stool and helping it move through the intestines more easily. To try self abdominal massage to treat chronic constipation, apply massage oil to your stomach. Castor oil is a superb choice for massage for constipation. Lie down on your back with your knees bent and place your hands on your lower abdomen. And then massage your lower abdomen with gentle pressure in a clockwise direction for two to three minutes. Also, you can check out the video on this page for a great abdominal massage. For another variation of a good belly massage follow the steps below.

DIY Massage for Constipation: Show Your Gut Some Love!

Engage in a soothing abdominal massage using three simple steps. Begin by tracing the shape of an “I” on your belly, followed by an “L,” and finally, complete an “U.” This technique is referred to as the I-L-U or “I Love U” belly massage—an affectionate gesture for your internal well-being.

To perform this massage, follow these steps:

1. Lie down on your back.
2. Starting from the left side of your belly, gently apply pressure as you move your hand down in a straight line, resembling the letter “I.” Begin just beneath the rib cage and proceed down to the top of your left hip bone. Repeat this motion ten times.
Purpose: Initiates peristalsis, the intrinsic contractions that stimulate movement in the digestive system, aiding in bowel movements.
3. Now, continue applying gentle pressure as you run your hand across the top of your belly, just beneath the rib cage, moving from right to left, as you did in the “I” motion. Simultaneously, repeat the “I” motion on the left side, just as you did earlier (similar to the letter “L”). Perform this sequence ten times.
4. Time to complete the inverted “U”: Start at your right hip bone and gently apply pressure as you move upwards, then go across. Finally, trace back down the “I” line. Repeat this sequence ten times.

For best results, perform this abdominal massage in the morning after breakfast to stimulate bowel movement. By doing so, you increase the likelihood of having regular and happy bowel movements in no time.

If you’re looking for a natural way to help constipation, massage may be the answer for you. Massage helps increase blood flow and stimulates the bowels, both of which can help get things moving again. Call us today to schedule your next massage or schedule online and start enjoying the benefits of this natural way to treat constipation! Please tell us prior to your appointment that you are having trouble with constipation so we can change the protocol as needed!

Please note: The information in this article does not replace the advice of a medical professional. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak with a doctor or other healthcare provider.

References:

Efficacy of Perineal Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial [Abstract]. (2012).