How To Massage For Constipation

Where Should I Start When Learning How To Do Self Abdominal Massage

Generally, most massage techniques will focus on the starting point being the right lower abdominal region within the right iliac crest region when you actually start working on the stomach. So looking down at your stomach the right hip and just above here about two finger distances away from the bony prominence on the outer right hip is where you start from

If you think of the digestive system as being a tube and the tube been full of fecal matter or contents you would understand that before carrying out any abdominal massage is firstly important to try and clear any contents that may be accumulated in the more terminal parts of that tube. this allows us not to create any further backlog or congestion when working to improve the digestive system transit through the large intestines. It is therefore important to start at the end of the colon working backward from the left iliac fossa where the sigmoid colon is located up the left lumbar region to the left hypogastric region across the stomach to the right side and down through the right lumbar region to the start of the ascending colon. Generally, as fecal matter becomes more concentrated through the transit in the digestive system and the colon, in particular, It is imperative to try and remove or soften fecal matter already accumulated in the sigmoid descending colon and a transverse colon before working on the ascending colon. Symptoms of discomforts may arise if this is not carried out due to faecal impaction.

For More Information About How To Do Self Abdominal Massage And Your Health Contact Our Team

If you would like additional information about this article and how to do a self abdominal massage or to discuss how we may be able to help with your rehabilitation and progress, please contact us using the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Perfect Balance Clinic accepts no responsibility for self-prescribed exercises without classification of the stage or condition you have. The information contained in this article or any others on this website should not be used in isolation to self-manage conditions but are provided for reference only to accompany a specialist managing your condition specifically and a review of the current advice surrounding each condition.

Rub Your Dogs Belly In Circles

Read Also: Can Sperm Make You Bloated

Listen To Your Digestion

Nearly all chronic diseases show digestive issues. With the experience of self-massage abdominal, we end up with knowing very well the intestinal journey, and we can then locate exactly where is which meal!

The first indicator is obviously the timeline, but the amount of fibers ingested should also give you an idea of the hardness of the associated chyme. By following it, you can more easily know what food cause what pain or discomfort. You will also realize that too big meals are often uncomfortable.

Tip: You can swallow some sunflower seeds or corn without chewing them. They will come out intact and you will be able to identify with certainty the meal that comes out.

The Effects Of Abdominal Massage On Functional Chronic Constipation

Constipation is a subjective symptom that defines as inadequate defecation including several symptoms as follows: the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation, hard stool, straining, and difficulty in defecation. The general prevalence of constipation in adults is 16%. The pre-defined risk factors are women gender, advanced age, non-white ethnicity, low socio-economic level, decreased physical activity underlying diseases, and medications. Chronic constipation affects quality of life and causes problems such as anxiety, depression, somatization, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunctions, school/work absenteeism. In the following periods, it causes serious comorbidities including dyspnea, gastro-esophageal reflux, hypertension, thyroid diseases, vaginitis, dyspareunia, diabetes, and fibromyalgia.

Also Check: Is Water Good For Heartburn

How Do We Know It Works

Research has shown abdominal massage can improve bowel function.

Statistical analysis shows laxative therapy and abdominal massage both provide same benefit. We also know laxatives is ineffective over time, thus a better and safer alternative will be abdominal massage.

Abdominal massage has acupressure link

Abdominal area has numerous acupuncture points predominantly influencing digestion, absorption, and elimination. Massaging these points relieve constipation, indigestion, pain, flatulence, ulcers, gas, etc.

Read Also: Probiotic For Ulcerative Colitis

Knead Your Dogs Thighs Or Glutes

You May Like: Is Acidophilus A Good Probiotic

How To Give Your Baby A Massage To Relieve Constipation

Little digestive systems sometimes need some support to keep things running smoothly. If your babys tummy is a little stopped up, you can ease this discomfort by giving them a massage for constipation.

With all the breastmilk or formula your little one is consuming, you would assume that pooping comfortably and very often wouldnt be a problem. But constipation is surprisingly common in children of all ages.

In babies, the challenging part is that they dont have the vocabulary to communicate how theyre feeling. You may just notice them looking uncomfortable or in pain when theyre trying to poop.

If you suspect your little one is constipated, keep reading for all of our tips to help them with their tummy troubles.

But first, lets talk about how effective baby massages can be at solving stomach woes.

Diy Massage For Constipation: Think I Love U

With this gentle abdominal massage, you’ll do three steps: the first traces an “I” on your belly. The second traces an “L.” And the third traces a “U.” Thus, it’s known as the I-L-U or “I Love U” belly massage. Our insides could use some extra lovin’!

See the video above for a demonstration, but here are the steps:

• Lie down on your back.
• Starting on the left side of your belly, apply gentle pressure as you move your hand down in a straight line , starting from just beneath the rib cage and moving down to the top of your left hip bone. Repeat ten times.
• What this does: it begins to trigger the intrinsic little contractions known as peristalsis, which will get the poop moving in the right direction.
• Now, apply gentle pressure and run your hand along the straight line across the top of your belly from right to left. Continue applying pressure and run your hand along the “I” line on the left as you were doing above. Again, repeat ten times.
• Now, it’s time to complete the inverted “U.” Start at your hip bone on your right side and gently apply pressure as you move UP. Now go across. Then, complete the inverted U by going down the “I.” Repeat 10 times.

Again, see the video above for a visual demonstration. Do this abdominal massage in the morning after breakfast to get things moving. If you do, there’s a good chance you’ll be pooping happily in no time.

Also Check: Is Diarrhea A Symptom Of Appendicitis

How To Massage A Dog To Poop

This article was co-authored by Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC and by wikiHow staff writer, Kai Hynes. Colleen Demling-Riley is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Womans Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 4,745 times.

Whether your dog is shy, old, constipated, or just slow at doing their business, a few simple massages can really help get things moving. Coupled with hydration, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, doing these massages daily or weekly for at least 30 seconds at a time can really improve your poochs pooping habits. Read on for a list of massages you can do at home to help your dog poop.

Should I Trust Massages And Acupuncture To Cure Feline Constipation

Massage and acupuncture are ancient Asian healing practices in Asia that have been used for humans and pets for centuries.

Some owners give their cats acupuncture or massages to manage chronic constipation.

According to the Veterinary Practice News, Swedish massage has been used in the U.S. and Europe since the 19th century. The report states that if you do this to your cats belly:

• It will reduce pain or discomfort your pet is feeling due to constipation,
• that it takes for a substance to move through your colon,
• Encourage peristalsis , and
• Increase the frequency of bowel movements.

However, massaging cats to ease their constipation can be tricky or even dangerous if done wrong.

If youre planning to go this route, I recommend you learn how to do this at the vet first.

Cats have unique and flexible bodies their intestines and colon may feel like the kidneys and vice versa to the untrained.

Learning cat anatomy removes the possibility of damaging organs with high-pressure massages.

Massaging your cats lower belly could also help them relax.

As such, you can combine this healing technique if youre trying to give her meds or distracting her while the vet checks her up.

Also Check: Can Ibs Have Flare Ups

Some Important Landmarks When Learning How To Do Self Abdominal Massage

Before one starts learning how to do self abdominal massage and carrying out abdominal self-massage it is important to understand a few landmarks on the lower stomach region. This will allow you to understand where to start and stop treatments as well as what direction to move around the stomach in. Generally, the depth of pressure is about 1 to 2 cm. This allows you to put enough pressure on the stomach/colon to encourage the digestive system to begin to start to move. Generally, more pressure than this may result in abdominal pain or discomfort should you experience any pain or discomfort please stop and contact us for any help or advice with these techniques or getting a clear understanding of conditions affecting your stomach that may be affecting you before you learn how to do the self abdominal massage yourself.

If you divide the abdominal region into 9 equal boxes this allows you to understand the main regions of the stomach area and indeed the area that youll be working in. These boxes are often referred to as 9 quadrants, each containing specific organs which you may need to be aware of if you were carrying out this self-abdominal massage technique yourself, without any guidance.

You May Like: Iceberg Lettuce And Ibs

Inclusion Criteria For Study Selection

2.2.1. Type of study

Randomized controlled trials evaluating massage therapy for FC will be eligible for inclusion and were published in English or Chinese. No publication status restrictions.

2.2.2. Type of participant

Participants aged 18 years or older who diagnosed with functional constipation based on the RomaIII diagnostic criteria will be included. There are no restrictions on gender, nationality, education, or economic status.

2.2.3. Type of intervention

The types of massage including chiropractic therapy, massage using a single thumb, abdominal massage therapy, and spinal manipulation, massage combined with drug therapy will be excluded. The control group interventions including one of the following treatment methods: drugs, acupuncture and moxibustion, cupping therapy, drugs, and physical interventions.

2.2.4. Types of outcome measures

The primary outcome is the frequency of bowel movement . The secondary outcomes including quality of life , mean transit time, patients using laxatives, and adverse event reporting in studies.

Don’t Miss: Is Yogurt Good For Heartburn

Give Your Dog An Ear Rub

Bowel Function : Diy Belly Massage For Constipation

Constipation is NO fun.

The good news is there are some techniques you can try to help move things along. First, make sure you check out our other post on proper pooping technique .

If you’ve got that down, but you’re still having some issues, try this gentle and easy DIY belly massage for constipation. Our wonderful pelvic floor physical therapist, Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, demonstrates in the video below that she shared on .

Recommended Reading: Does Probiotics Help With Ph Balance

Massage Your Dogs Sides

Using Massage For Constipation

Most people can find constipation relief by drinking more water, getting more fiber in their diet, and exercising more often.

An abdominal massage for constipation is best for certain people and causes of constipation. This includes:

• Long-term constipation
• Constipation with loss of bowel control
• People with stable spine injuries or disabilities
• People with brain disorders like Parkinsonâs or multiple sclerosis
• People who are immobile
• Older people

Abdominal massage can help teach your bowel muscles what to do and ease some of your symptoms. Research shows that massaging your abdomen when youâre constipated can help:

• Ease pain and discomfort
• Lower the time it takes for waste to move through your intestines
• Trigger muscle contraction and relaxation

Recommended Reading: Can You Eat Spicy Food With Ibs

Are Abdominal Massages For Constipation Safe

“Outside of possibly causing bowel movement , there are very few ,” says Dr. Sonpal. So, you can rest assured that these types of massages are okay to do. Keep in mind, consuming an adequate amount of fiber and water are also necessary for healthy digestion.

That said, you might have seen videos of TikTokers using a tennis ball instead of their hands to perform an abdominal massage. But experts say a tennis ball offers toomuch pressure, possibly making the massage unsafe. Your internal organs, such as your small and large intestines,”are very delicate, and too much pressure could potentially damage them,” says Dr. Ganjhu. “Light, but firm, comfortable strokes are best.”

While the studies are minimal, the benefits of abdominal massages outweigh the risks, according to professionals. So, you can go ahead and give this trend a shot to relieve occasional constipation and bloating â just save the tennis balls for the court. Note: For extreme or chronic instances of bloating or constipation, it’s best to consult with a physician to discuss an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Quick Tips About Yoga For Constipation

Let me remind you that constipation is not a disease. Its a condition that there is something wrong in your body, so if you get aware from the very beginning and start to follow all the tips below can help you out in many ways.

1. Wake Up Time

Circadian rhythm is connected to our digestive system, so if we do not wake up before sunrise, our bowel movements will be affected, leading to constipation.

2. Drink Water The Right Way

In the morning, you should have copper vessel water on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and create pressure for easy bowel movement. The best asana in which we should drink water is the Malasana.

3. Yogic Stretches

Do the following yoga asanas after having water and walk around while simultaneously moving your hand all around your stomach in a clockwise direction:

Read Also: Can A Yeast Infection Cause Constipation

What Happens In The Body During Constipation

The food we eat moves through the digestive tract, absorbing nutrients. The partially digested food which becomes waste moves from the small intestine to the large intestine, also called the colon. The colon absorbs water from this waste and creates the solid matter called stool. When someone suffers from constipation, the food may move too slowly through the digestive tract. This gives the colon enough time to absorb water from the waste. The stool becomes dry, hard, and difficult to push out.

How Is Yoga For Constipation Helpful?

Like many other conditions, constipation is a lifestyle disorder that lifestyle changes can only address. It is natural that our body knows how to heal itself when provided with the right atmosphere.

So know how yoga for constipation is helpful.

• Firstly, According to Ayurveda, constipation is a Vata imbalance disorder vata is one of the three doshas associated with air and ether with coldness and roughness. Cold foods such as salads can aggravate Vata and can make constipation worse.
• Also, people who suffer from constipation should modify their daily diet to include Vata-pacifying warm and moist foods. Ideally, it would be best to increase your intake of dairy products, especially milk, and favour heavy, oily foods swap raw salads for steamed or stewed veggies.