Abdominal massage for constipation - simple and effective techniques       

Published 03/16/2019 · Comments: · Reading time: 6 min · Views: Post Views: 299

Massage is a method of tactile influence on the body, known to mankind for thousands of years. Our ancestors successfully used massage techniques to relieve pain, restore strength, and prepare for serious trials. In the absence of effective drugs and instrumental methods of therapy, manual therapy was improved and used for various painful conditions. The relevance of massage is not questioned today. Even with such a common phenomenon as stool retention, abdominal massage for constipation will be the starting point for normalizing the functioning of the digestive organs and helping to establish regular bowel movements.

Causes of constipation

Constipation is a disorder of the intestinal tract. It is characterized by rare acts of defecation, pain during bowel movements, bloating during flatulence, vomiting, nausea, and difficult passage of feces through the intestines. Problems with bowel movements can appear at any age.

Causes:

• use of medications (side effects);
• dehydration (a person should drink two liters of water a day);
• consumption of small quantities of food of plant origin (cucumbers, zucchini, etc.);
• sedentary lifestyle (abdominal muscles weaken);
• gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers, oncology, hemorrhoids;
• stress, depression, physical exhaustion;
• disruption of the endocrine glands;
• the body’s reaction to certain foods (for example, intolerance to fermented milk products);
• bad habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs);
• surgical intervention in the gastrointestinal tract;
• worms (mainly in infants and newborns).

It is necessary to practice massage as a preventive measure and in the treatment of constipation using remedies for hemorrhoids.

Indications for massage

Abdominal massage for constipation in adults is rarely used; the main indication for its implementation is problems with bowel movements in children under the age of one year. During this period, the intestines are not fully formed, which explains the difficulties during bowel movements. Recently, doctors are increasingly recommending massage for constipation in adults, because the technique really brings relief.

Massaging has the following beneficial effects on the body:

• bloating is eliminated, gases begin to escape naturally;
• the functioning of the digestive system is improved;
• intestinal smooth muscles relax;
• muscle tone increased due to constipation is relieved;
• metabolic processes are normalized;
• the accumulated feces are broken up and pushed through the intestines to the anus.

Types of massage for constipation

There are several types of massage. The similarity lies in friction and pressure on certain areas of the abdomen, the difference lies in the intensity, sequence and method of execution. The hardware is performed by a medical worker using special devices.

Acupressure affects the intestines for rapid emptying using special bioactive points.

Therapeutic is suitable for self-massage, but does not always eliminate the causes of constipation. Segmental reflex is a type of massage that involves the nerves of the lumbar region, lower chest and abdominal area.

Biologically active points for relieving constipation

Low point

How to find her?

You can find this point on the back of your palm near the base of your thumb. You can find this point by bringing your thumb and index finger close together.

How to massage it?

First, gently massage this point in a circular motion. Slowly begin to apply some pressure. You can also try tapping it with your fist. Continue massaging for a minute or two, and remember never to exceed five minutes. You can switch to the other hand after you are done with the first.

How often?

Ideally, massage the points on each hand should be carried out for a minute. Repeat this 3 – 4 times a day.

Heavenly Sea Energy Point

How to find them?

The sea energy point is located three finger widths below the navel. Considered the central point of the body, it brings a sense of balance to the personality.

The celestial anchor points are located three finger widths apart on the left and right sides of the navel.

How to massage it?

First you need to relax and take a few deep breaths. Next, use your index, middle, and ring fingers to apply gentle pressure to the energy point. Hold the pressure for about thirty seconds and then release. You can also massage using light circular movements. Repeat this two more times.

How often?

It has been noted that stimulating these points can lead to bowel movements within minutes. However, remember that you should stop the massage immediately if you experience any pain.

Pregnant women are strongly advised not to use this technique to relieve constipation as it may trigger premature labor.

Point curve pond

How to find her?

Finding the point is very easy. Bend your elbow to form a right angle. You will find folds on the inside of the elbow. The point is located at the outer end of the fold.

How to massage it?

Use your thumb to press this point in a circular motion, gradually increasing the pressure. You can also use your index finger to do the same. Even gentle tapping on the point will help. Massage this point on both hands.

How often?

Stimulate this point for 30 to 40 seconds on each hand. Repeat this 3 – 4 times a day.

Regular stimulation of these points will help in relieving constipation in the long run. However, make sure you exercise caution when practicing acupressure.

Technique for performing abdominal massage for constipation

Massage for constipation in adults is done three times a day. In the morning after a light breakfast about twenty minutes. At lunchtime and in the evening after eating at least two hours.

How to massage the abdomen for constipation at any age? There are tonic and soothing massages. The action for the tonic is slow at first, then the tempo and intensity increases, and towards the end it slows down again. The procedure consists of the following steps:

1. Stroking with a fist near the navel from the right side to the left, according to a spiral for 3 minutes.
2. Drawing the letter “P” with your fingertips for 3-4 minutes.
3. Light tapping with a fist all over the stomach.
4. Rub the lumbar region with your palms, then with your fist, and with the edge of your palm, do it for a minute alternately.

A soothing abdominal massage for constipation in adults is very similar to a tonic massage, only the movements should be smooth and calm for 5 minutes.

Contraindications

However, there are conditions in which abdominal massage is not applicable. These include:

• pregnancy at any stage;
• oncological processes in the abdominal cavity;
• any bleeding;
• suspicion of intestinal obstruction or establishment of such a diagnosis;
• any acute conditions, including fever;
• poor tolerance to tactile influence, manifested in the form of general malaise and nausea.

Self-massage for constipation using the Ogulov method

The Ogulov method is easy to learn and helps to start the process of bowel movement. You can do it every day before going to bed, lying on the bed with your knees bent. The specificity of this massage is that each organ has special nerve endings, acting on which improves the condition - getting rid of pain, spasms, stress, constipation. Three minutes are allotted for each point.

1. We press on the reflex point of the gallbladder (one third of the distance between the chest and the navel and 2 cm to the right) until there is slight pain.
2. We continue pressing, moving along the ribs and making a projection of the pancreas.
3. Let's move on to the liver area. At a distance of two fingers from the ribs and press at an angle of 45° along the costal arches.
4. We massage in the area of ​​the spleen, as well as in the liver.
5. The next point is located from the right pelvic bone to the navel one third.
6. We return to the navel - from the navel three to four fingers in a spiral we push each section to the ribs and back.

The method can be used on other organs; the effectiveness of the application depends on the regularity and correctness of the massage.

Indications and restrictions

Massage is contraindicated under the following factors:

• Severe pain in the lower abdomen;
• Cancer;
• Fever, high temperature, ARVI, acute respiratory infections;
• Tuberculosis;
• Condition under the influence of alcohol or other substances;
• Thrombosis of blood vessels;
• Stones in the kidneys;
• Unstable nervous system;
• Hernia;
• Hypertension;
• Pregnancy (only after permission from the gynecologist);
• After surgery on the gastrointestinal tract.

The appearance of spasms during bowel movements is the first signal to contact a doctor, and incl. to start using a soothing massage. It will help eliminate spasms, relax muscle tissue and eliminate pain. It is also necessary to consult a specialist if bloody streaks appear in the stool and if bowel movements occur less than three times a week.

Efficiency

Massage promotes normal functioning of the intestinal tract, digestion, eliminates discomfort during bowel movements, and strengthens the muscle tissue of the lower abdomen. Skin color and well-being improve.

Doctors advise doing breathing exercises along with intestinal massage for constipation.

By doing light exercises correctly every day for 20 minutes, you can forget about constipation, pain, and cramps.

A warm heating pad and acupressure are very helpful for constipation. Using your fingertips, massage areas of the abdomen from the navel to the bladder and back for 5-6 minutes.

Help for little bellies

Retention of stool in tiny infants can make babies suffer in a way that is not childish at all. Tears, crying, redness of the face, straining, bloating are signs of constipation. Waiting in vain for a stool makes children and mothers nervous.

In addition to safe medicinal laxatives, massage for constipation in infants will help to gently solve the problem.

Basic Rules

• massage is performed only with warm, clean hands. It is better for mom to take off her rings and bracelets and use baby moisturizer to soften the skin of her palms. Long, scratchy nails are not suitable for any activities with a child;
• the procedure is carried out no earlier than 30-40 minutes after breastfeeding or formula feeding;
• the baby should be in a good mood, smile, and be in the mood for contact;
• the air temperature is comfortable, to which the child is already accustomed;
• the baby is placed on a flat, fairly hard surface - a table with a blanket, a sofa, an orthopedic mattress;
• massage is an additional reason to communicate with your baby. Funny tongue twisters, nursery rhymes, songs will come in handy - such musical and sound accompaniment of the procedure will amuse the baby and enhance the healing effect of a tummy massage for constipation.

Execution technique

Massage for bowel retention can be conveniently combined with daily restorative therapy performed by the mother. When it comes to the tummy, the techniques are performed in the following sequence:

• gentle superficial stroking in different directions so that the baby feels safe, relaxes, and trusts his mother;
• gradually the mother’s palm begins to make circular movements along the intestines (clockwise);
• the range of movements is initially limited to the umbilical region - it is convenient to work with your fingertips;
• after 10-12 circles around the navel, the fingers describe wider circles, covering the entire tummy;
• the pressure can be slightly increased by continuing to move clockwise;
• the final movements are smooth and calming.

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Prevention for pregnant women against constipation

Pregnant women must undergo intestinal massage for constipation only in the first two trimesters. In the third, this is contraindicated, because Massage can cause premature labor or even miscarriage. Due to the weight and volume of the uterus, the passage for defecation decreases, resulting in constipation.

For prevention, you also need to eat first courses, plant foods, drink enough water, but to avoid swelling of the limbs, stop eating salt, walk more in the fresh air, and do gymnastics and aerobics whenever possible.

In what cases can it cause harm?

Contraindications to the procedure:

1. Diseases associated with mental disorders.
2. Increased body temperature, colds.
3. Oncology.
4. Syphilis, tuberculosis, cholelithiasis.
5. Pregnancy. Massage can trigger premature labor.
6. Acute course of the disease and severe abdominal pain.

A simple massage, a healthy lifestyle, and sufficient consumption of clean water will help achieve good results. If constipation does not go away and appears again, you should consult a doctor. Bowel movements should occur more than 3 times a week.

The article was approved by the editors

Exercises

After warming up the abdomen with massage movements, adults and children over 3 years of age are recommended to perform a number of exercises:

Constipation in the elderly

• Flexion-extension of the torso. We stand straight, feet shoulder-width apart. We smoothly bend down, reach for the floor, then smoothly stand up. Repeat – 15 times.
• Bike. A well-known exercise, performed while lying on the floor, is to imitate riding a bicycle. Duration – 1 minute.
• Pulling up the knees. We lie on our backs, bend our legs, hug them with our arms, smoothly pull them towards us, and return them. Repeat – 10 times.
• Raising straight legs. Lying on your back, we try to raise them perpendicular to the floor. Repeat – 15 times.
• Before starting exercise, older people should consult a doctor so as not to worsen their health condition.

Active points that will help solve the problem

If traditional methods do not help, use acupressure for constipation.

The disease is believed to lead to an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupressure promotes the free passage of energy and helps to heal.

1. Press the point at the base of your thumb on the back of your hand and rub in a circular motion. Perform actions 3-4 times a day for 1 minute.
2. The next point is located 3 fingers below the navel. Take a deep breath, relax, press on the point for 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times. The method solves the problem of constipation in a couple of minutes. Cannot be used by pregnant women.
3. Another point is located on the outer fold of the elbow. Make circular pressing movements with your thumb for 50 seconds. Repeat 6 times a day.