When a child is young and has a tummy ache the mother will rub the child’s belly to try to make it feel better. This, in a sense, is a type of very basic massage for the stomach. Most people wouldn’t think of going to see a massage therapist to help with conditions regarding gastrointestinal concerns, but massage therapy can actually help and it works very similar to the child with a tummy ache.
With growing sedentary workplaces, poor nutrition, and stress in people’s lives it makes sense that gastrointestinal issues such as constipation are getting more common, but massage therapy can help. Massage, in general, achieves relaxation and abdominal massages can help with digestion through the intestines with gentle kneading done in a clockwise pattern – this way it is always in the same direction that the large intestine runs.
Along with massage therapy, it is important to remember to exercise and to eat properly by taking in enough water, fruits, vegetables, and fibre and limiting your fat intake during the day. For home-care, try applying a cool pack to the stomach. This will force your body heat to focus on your intestines and allow for more movement in your digestive system.