Massage for constipation alleviation can be done at home without any special equipment. It entails applying moderate pressure to the tissues and bones involved in waste elimination. Constipation affects approximately 16 out of every 100 adults in the U.S. Although there is no definitive evidence that massage helps with constipation, there is some indication that it does.
Massage is generally safe and can bring relief and enhance overall well-being, irrespective as to whether it aids with constipation, so it’s worth a shot.This article looks at massage techniques that can help with constipation, as well as how to use them.
What Is Constipation?
When your bowel motions become less often (less than 3 times a week) or tough to pass, you have constipation. This lack of bowel movements might linger for weeks or even months. Your stools may be firm and dry at times.
In the United States, constipation is among the most frequent digestive issues. According to a study, around 16 of every Hundred American adults suffer from constipation symptoms.
Relief Through Massages
Massages may help you cure constipation by assisting in the release of gas and waste. They may also aid in the treatment of any underlying or comorbid illnesses. Stomach massages help reduce tension and, as a result, pain linked with digestive problems.
Constipation is thought to be helped most by abdominal massages, but other kinds of massage could also be effective. These massages can be performed with castor, olive, or coconut oil. Alternatively, for added benefit, try these essential oils.
Stomach Massage For Constipation Relief
Stomach massage has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of chronic constipation in studies. According to research, it has the ability to:
- Increase the number of times you go to the bathroom.
- Relieve pain and suffering by reducing intestinal transit time.
People experiencing postsurgical ileus have also been demonstrated to benefit from abdominal massage because it stimulates those muscular contractions that help them release a bowel movement. This is a momentary obstruction of the bowels caused by a lack of motility of the intestines.
To massage your stomach, follow these steps:
- Lie flat on the floor and gently press your abdomen with your hands.
- Begin on the bottom side of the stomach. Slowly form rings in a clockwise orientation while applying light pressure.
- Apply slight pressure from the inside of the hip bone using the middle of your right hand.
- Apply pressure on the right-hand side, underneath the middle of your ribcage, and the left side of your body.
- Apply pressure on the inside of the left hip bone using your left hand.
- Press your fingers into your stomach with both hands.
- Start at the right and work your way clockwise.
You can practice any of these processes as many times as you want, but don’t overdo it.
Colon Massage For Constipation Relief
Deep stomach massage or major organ massage are terms used to describe treatments for the colon. Colon massages, according to massage therapists, are used to:
- Gas, clogs, and garbage must all be removed.
- minimize the amount of fluid in your abdomen
- improve intestinal health in general
However, there is no evidence to back up these statements at this time. Here’s how to do a colonic massage if you really want to give it a shot:
- Sit down with your legs bent to loosen your torso and soften your belly.
- Stroke or press your belly button with your fingertips or the knuckle of your hand.
- Massage the colon in a helical path.
- Begin at the lower right-hand corner of your abdomen and work your way up.
- Then massage beneath the rib cage to the left, across the left-hand side, and finally into the middle.
- You can pause and concentrate on any portion that requires special attention.
Other Types Of Pain Relieving Massages
You can treat constipation with a variety of massage techniques. Massages that target different sections of the body can be utilized alone or in combination with other massages. This gives you some diversity as you figure out which solutions are ideal for you.
- Foot Massages (Reflexology)
Constipation can be treated by foot massages.
Children with constipation improved their symptoms after undergoing reflexology, according to a 2003 study. Over the span of 6 weeks, the youngsters had six thirty-minute sessions. Encopresis, often known as fecal soiling, was also benefited by the medication.
To do so, follow these steps:
- Massage the center of your heel with your thumb, making your way to the outside border.
- Then work your way up to the center of your foot.
- Move across to the left foot and massage completely all across the center of the foot. Massage all the way to the brink.
- Then massage downwards along the border of the left heel, moving inside to the center.
- After that, massage the inner of the foot.
- Back Massage
A back massage can help the body to relax. Full-body massages can aid with digestion, stress relief, and muscle tension reduction. All of these could help you get rid of your constipation.
A massage therapist will need to give you a back or a full-body massage.
When To See A Doctor
You can avoid constipation in the future by changing your lifestyle. So here are a few suggestions:
- Throughout the day, drink more than enough water and caffeine-free beverages.
- Drink a glass or two of water in the morning.
- Fresh fruits, whole grains, cereals, and beans are all high-fiber items to include in your diet.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying active and exercising on a regular basis. Several times per week, go for a walk, cycle, or swim.
- Make time for stress-relieving hobbies like meditation, yoga, or neural beat listening.
It’s not healthy to go more than four days without a stool. It’s not really a reason for concern if this occurs once in a while.
However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- severe stomach discomfort
- constipation on a regular basis
- Constipation that lasts longer than two weeks is considered chronic constipation.
The Bottomline
Most minor episodes of constipation can be treated by making lifestyle adjustments. Drink lots of water, get plenty of workouts, and up your fiber intake. You might want to keep getting massages on a daily basis to avoid constipation.
Keep a close check on your bowel motions so you can spot constipation early. You could also maintain a food journal to see how your eating habits affect your bowel motions.
