What is Abdominal Massage and how can it help?
Abdominal Massage is a relaxing technique that can vary from a gentle stroking of the abdominal area in a clockwise direction to a medium or firm pressure that can be used for menstrual pain or even fertility problems. It may help relieve symptoms of constipation, bloating, cramping and pain. It can greatly assist digestion and intestinal function. Essential oils may be added to further assist with relaxation or reduction in spasm.
In addition to the mechanical effects of helping move intestinal contents and reducing spasm and tightness, it is very relaxing so it is excellent to relieve stress, anxiety or low mood.
Abdominal massage can be done as a stand alone treatment but more commonly it is incorporated as part of a whole body treatment by a specially trained and experienced therapist during a relaxation or remedial massage.
Science is now proving the connection between abdominal massage & improved health and wellbeing.
Recent studies show that the enteric nervous system, now categorised as a third division of the autonomic nervous system, is connected to emotions and the role of the vagus nerve.
We have all heard about the GUT BRAIN CONNECTION but did you know that we have more serotonin receptors in the gut than in the brain?
This relationship has many implications.
For example, medical treatment for chronic intestinal disorders now include options using antidepressants. (Of course herbal medicine treatment of the GUT and Nervous systems are an effective natural option without the potential side effects of prescription drugs)
The Vegus Nerve
Naturopaths have long understood that conditions in the gut can influence our mental state. Science has not proven that emotions have a huge impact on how your digestive system functions. (It goes both ways)
What is the connection? Well, it seems the vagus nerve is the vital link. It is the messenger between the enteric nervous system and the brain and emotions
In the past the vagus nerve was seen as simply a carrier of commands from the brain to the glands and viscera, it actually has a significantly higher percentage of afferent neurons versus efferent neurons.
In case you are wondering what that means, neurons that receive information from our sensory organs (e.g. eye, skin) and transmit this input to the central nervous system are called afferent neurons. Neurons that send impulses from the central nervous system to your limbs and organs are called efferent neurons.
Therefore the vegus nerve is actually a physical GUT-BRAIN connection! Of course there is more to it than that as GUT microbiome and other factors are involved but it’s a pretty cool nerve!
In one study it was found that even gentle stroking caused transmission along the anterior branch of the vagus that quickly reaches the limbic system producing feelings of being soothed and cared for.
Malvern Natural Health Care Massage therapist provides Abdominal massage in Melbourne to support vegus nerve balance together with a combination of emotional, and physical benefits such as stimulation of the organs, bowels and lymphatic system in the abdominal area.
Stimulation of the Vegus nerve via massage can be supported with many other therapies such as Naturopathic herbal medicine, meditation or even singing. These techniques relax the sympathetic nervous system and therefore stimulate the parasympathetic state. We know this is excellent for stimulating digestion, improving sleep quality, reducing anxiety and stress.
Is Abdominal massage safe?
Generally abdominal massage is very safe, however it is not for everyone and the massage therapist needs to be experienced in abdominal massage techniques and aware of any contraindications and cautions that apply.
For example clients with certain gastrointestinal tract disorders or inflammatory intestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and ulcerative colitis, should not receive firm abdominal massage during flare-ups.
In pregnancy lying on your back for extended periods is not safe although gentle soothing abdominal massage can be very beneficial. The same applies to high bloods pressure were a gentle pressure would be used.
There are also emotional and psychological factors that may apply. Some clients have histories that make abdominal touch undesirable to them, and some view the abdomen as a more private body part. Sensitivity and communication is required.
If you feel that abdominal massage could help you, simply request this during your next remedial or relaxation massage at Malvern Natural Health Care.
Aromatherapy, the use of( Essential Oils) can also be used to further aid the therapeutic effect.
Benjamin Deutscher Naturopath and Remedial Massage therapist (all forms of massage) who specialises in treatments that support Nervous System and digestive conditions. Contact us for further information or book for a Naturopathic consultation or Remedial Massage and request a combination relaxation using using Abdominal massage and other techniques such as Craniosacral Therapy