Abdominal massage for constipation is apparently by some people can relieve constipation. Massage helps relieve aches and pains and allows bowel movements to come out more smoothly.
However, before discussing how stomach massage helps poop, let’s look at the medical side.
Belly massage for helping bowel movement. Is it real?
Constipation is a digestive disorder that almost everyone in this world has experienced.
Constipation is characterized by bowel movements that are not smooth, uncomfortable, less frequent, or feel difficult and painful, even farting like the smell of rotten eggs.
After digestion and absorption of nutrients, the rest of your food will move to the large intestine.
The large intestine functions to absorb water and minerals from food waste and make its feces. The large intestine muscles then contract to move feces toward the rectum and out of the body.
However, if this process is slow or the large intestine is not contracting properly, the stool may harden, resulting in constipation.
There are various ways to deal with constipation, ranging from drinking water, and consuming fiber, to using laxatives.
While there are options for using the medication, most people can usually manage constipation in some natural way—one of them by doing abdominal massage for constipation.
An old study from the International Journal of Nursing Studies showed that abdominal massage could give positive results in people to help poop more smoothly.
Gentle abdominal massage can help move the large intestine muscles and relieve some symptoms associated with constipation.
This method can relieve pain and discomfort, stimulate colon contraction, and reduce the time of the expulsion of feces.
However, keep in mind that no recent or large-scale studies prove that abdominal massage is the best way to treat constipation.
Even so, massage can relieve those of you who have bowel problems.
How to tummy massage for constipation
Before the massage, prepare equipment in oil for massage and yoga mats if available. Then, you can start a massage on the abdomen with the following steps.
- Lie on your back with your stomach open.
- Place your hands on the bottom of the stomach, then hold the stomach while focusing on breathing.
- Warm your hands by rubbing them together on your stomach for 30 seconds.
- Apply essential oils to treat constipation in the stomach.
- Begin the abdominal massage technique by massaging the entire abdomen using the palm. Massage your stomach in a clockwise circular motion several times.
- Massage the center of your abdomen in a line, starting from the bottom of the chest to the pubic bone.
- Repeat step 6 three times on the left side of the abdomen, each with a distance of 3 centimeters.
- Repeat steps 6 and 7 on the right side of the abdomen.
- Gently press the navel with your finger.
- Continue this massage technique by gently pressing the outer circumference of your navel. Make circular motions in a clockwise direction.
- You can also do abdominal massage techniques on other parts if needed.
- Massage your stomach for 20 minutes.
In addition to the massage method above, you can also do variations of the abdominal massage movement to make bowel movements smoother.
Try placing your hands under your breastbone, then moving them down toward your stomach in a straight line.
Essential Notes on Abdominal Massage for Constipation
Although abdominal massage is quite effective for treating constipation, there are a few things you need to pay attention to before using this method. For example, abdominal massage is not suitable for people who experience:
- bowel spasms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),
- spinal cord injury,
- stomach ulcers that are not even six weeks old, and
- pregnancy.
When massaging your stomach, do it gradually. Start massaging with a light touch, then increase the pressure as you feel comfortable.
You don’t need to apply pressure if you feel pain or discomfort.
Breathing techniques should also accompany abdominal massage techniques.
While massaging the stomach, inhale slowly, making bowel movements smoother. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale through your mouth.
In addition, don’t forget a healthy lifestyle and diet to make bowel movements smoother.
Expand the consumption of high-fiber foods, meet the needs of water by drinking at least two liters daily, and do regular physical activity.
