27 Aug Benefits of Abdominal Massage
Ancient practices have shown that abdominal massage promotes the health and overall well-being of an individual. Commonly known as “the second brain,” a human gut is home to some 100 million neurons, more than in either the spinal cord or the peripheral nervous system. According to Emeran Mayer, professor of physiology, psychiatry, and biobehavioural sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, “A big part of our emotions are probably influenced by the nerves in our gut.” The brain and the gut are closely connected. A troubled intestine too, like the anxious mind, can send signals to the brain. It is therefore essential to administer massage techniques focused on the abdomen that can promote a therapeutic benefit to a person by:
Toning muscles
Massaging the abdomen relaxes and strengthens the weak stomach muscles. It may also release deep muscle spasms, produce internal heat and break down scar tissue.
Improving Digestion
Improved blood circulation from the massage can always improve the digestive tract or the gastrointestinal system and relieves cramps from indigestion.
Relieving Constipation
The practice of massaging increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the abdominal region, which helps to improve the bowel system. It stimulates peristalsis, decreases colonic transit time, and increases the frequency of the bowel movements.
Reducing Bloating
An unhealthy diet or other stomach problems often leads to bloating, making a person feel uncomfortable. A massage can help regulate body metabolism, and ease such pain.
Promoting Healthy Menstruation
Studies have shown that a gentle abdominal massage has been very effective in relieving menstrual pain and cramping. It is also said to have decreased the heaviness of the bleeding when the massage was performed a week before the start of the period.
Alleviating Stress and Pain
An abdominal issue accompanied by gas and pain often makes people feel uneasy and stressed. The soothing effect of a stomach massage has always proved beneficial in reducing the stress hormone cortisol. Certain types of pain caused by degenerative disks can also be relieved with an appropriate massage.
Boosting the Immune System
Regular massages increase the activity of the white blood cells which wards off viruses from the system. Massage also acts as a cleanser for the elimination of wastes and toxins.
Controlling Weight Gain
Massaging the abdomen help prevent the accumulation of fat around the belly.
Stimulating Internal Organs
An increased flow of blood and oxygen resulting from the abdominal massage helps in efficient functioning of the various organs like the liver and the gall bladder.
When Should I Avoid an Abdominal Massage?
An abdominal massage, which is otherwise a blessing to many, should not be received by people with gallstones, kidney stones, calcium deposits in the bladder and hernia. Massage to a person suffering from internal bleeding, and any other forms of gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis can also pose a threat to the person. Even women with reproductive disorders, high-risk pregnancies or abdominal surgeries require prior physician consultation so that the massage can be done by more experienced practitioners with proper care.
The pros far outweigh the cons, and if a person is free from any medical complication, the practice of abdominal massage can contribute not only to various aspects of physical wellness but to psychological well-being too. An inexpensive healthy luxury, the abdominal massage aims at improving the quality of a person’s life.