MASSAGE FOR CONSTIPATION?

Constipation occurs when you have few bowel movements (approximately less than three per week). Your stools become hard and dry and there may even be pain when trying to pass them. This episode may last for days or weeks and you may slowly feel abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.  

The causes of constipation may vary from people and include the following:

• Diet low in fiber
• Physical inactivity
• Lack of water
• Stress
• Effects of certain medications such as iron vitamins, antidepressants, seizure medications, antacids, allergy medications, pain relief medications, benzodiazepines, and antacids.
• Health conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, colorectal cancer, diabetes, intestinal obstruction, lupus, multiple sclerosis, diverticular disease, scleroderma, pregnancy

If you have no health conditions that may cause constipation, the best remedy is prevention and this is achieved by changing your diet. Eating a sufficient amount of fruit and vegetables works all the time but, in some cases, constipation can be stubborn and requires an intervention. Laxatives are just band-aid solutions to the problem and should not be taken frequently.

Have you ever tried a massage to address the problem?

Regular massage can help ease constipation by relieving you of gas and waste. It can also assist in treating underlying and concomitant conditions. Abdominal massage has proven to be the best for easing constipation. There are a variety of natural oils that you can use such as coconut oil, castor, and other essential oils such as ginger, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and lemon.

1. Lie on your back and use two hands to put mild pressure on your abdomen.
2. Begin at the lower side of your stomach, slowly making clockwise circles while applying slight pressure.
3. Use the center of your right hand to apply pressure on the inside of your hip bone. 
4. Put pressure on the right side below your ribs and then move to the left.
5. Use your left hand and put pressure on the inside of your left hip bone.
6. With your fingers, press your abdomen and pull it up.
7. Repeat several times.

Other benefits of Abdominal Massage

 In addition to relieving constipation, an abdominal massage can also:

• Help you relax
• Relieve tension
• Relax muscle spasms
• Increases blood flow to the abdomen
• Strengthens your muscles in the abdomen
• Helps in weight loss

Safety

Yes, abdominal massages are generally safe if it’s done correctly and in a very gentle way. However, the following conditions require you to consult with your doctor before performing an abdominal massage:

• If you have just had surgery on your abdomen
• If you are pregnant

If you cannot do the massage alone, you can have it done by a massage therapist. However, you need to call in advance to find out if they can do an abdominal massage because not all therapists do them.

Abdominal massage is a very low-risk option to ease constipation and provide other benefits mentioned above to your body. You have the choice to do it yourself or get a therapist to do it for you.

As always, if symptoms persist or become worse, then you need to see your medical practitioner or health care professional.