Step by step massage for constipation

Abdominal massage or self-massage, touching our belly with our hands, can be a gentle and effective way to treat and relieve punctual or chronic constipation.

Only pat the belly It is already highly recommended in itself, in fact we often do it unconsciously when we have discomfort such as those caused by constipation, but the next step that should be taken is that those touches in the abdomen are as accurate as possible to help the intestine to activate and thus improve intestinal transit.

Some of massage techniques for constipation that have been used, both in classical massage and in Mayr Kur type massages, have proven their effectiveness. The peristaltic movement can be facilitated with massages to help correct intestinal transit. There is evidence that they can also be useful against chronic constipation.

Here we will see step by step how to massage the intestines to go to the bathroom. It’s good drink a glass of water before doing it to fluidize the fecal bolus and obtain better results.

How to do a massage to relieve constipation

When giving this abdominal massage it is important that the pressure is gentle, mimicking the natural mobility of the intestines. Another recommendation that should be remembered is that the massage should not last more than 25 minutes.

The best position to carry out the massage on the belly is that of lying face up with the legs stretched out to be able to palpate and better perceive the intestines. The massage is carried out in two steps, one to sensitize the area and the other to activate the bowel movement.

Once you have lied down, take a deep breath and follow these steps:

Notice the breath and involve the belly. Makes deep breaths moving all the abdominal muscles. Little by little he begins to draw very soft circles, like caresses, to stimulate the nerve receptorss of the area and stimulate the sensitivity of the skin of the abdomen. Go slowly, clockwise, and gradually increase the intensity. Repeat as many times as necessary. When you’re ready, move on to the more specific massage. go doing circular pressures on the different sections of the colon, as if you were pumping them. This has a draining effect. Empty the part closest to the rectum and sigma first, and then go up the colon with your hands, making the same circular pressures, but always pumping towards the starting point. When finished, empty all the way large intestine. Now move to the small intestine and massage it with circular rubbing.When finished, do several rubs over the colon in a descending direction.Little by little Go reducing the intensity until you return to soft rubbing in a circular direction.

Sometimes it can also help stimulate the reflex zones of the intestine. For this you can massage the lower back. Indirectly this exercise will increase intestinal motility.

Performing hypopressive exercises or other exercises that strengthen the transverse abdominis muscle, such as tucking the abdomen in and out on all fours, will also improve constipation. There are also some yoga postures that promote intestinal transit.

Precautions and contraindications of abdominal massage

You should not give yourself this belly massage up to two hours after the last meal.

The massage must be done smoothly imitating the natural mobility of the intestines themselves, since too intense maneuvers could stimulate the visceral reflexes and interrupt the peristaltic movement, precisely the opposite effect that we are looking for.

Nor should this massage be performed on the pregnant women nor if there are acute symptoms, in which case a medical review will be advisable.