Constipation massage is a soothing and relaxing massage, with a focus on abdominal muscles. The massage can include other areas of the body, depending on where you may be feeling pain, or holding tension. The treatment will begin with a conversation with the massage therapist to go over any questions or concerns you may have. Your comfort throughout the treatment is most important.
Breathing.
During the massage, you will receive guidance on diaphragmatic breathing and on how to connect your breath to your core muscles. Deep, slow, relaxed breathing helps our muscles to lengthen and expand. This provides room for our digestive systems to work their magic!
Rest & Digest.
Massage is helpful in decreasing pain associated with constipation. By decreasing pain and stress, massage supports the body and helps to activate our parasympathetic nervous system. Our parasympathetic nervous system is often referred to as rest and digest.
When we are in pain, which we often are when experiencing constipation, it can be hard not to tense up. Constipation massage focuses on soothing the nervous system and relaxing abdominal muscles.
What is peristalsis?
Constipation massage increases peristalsis. Peristalsis is a series of wave like muscle contractions in the digestive tract that help to move food along. There's a lot going on in our abdomens! Peristalsis is the contraction of involuntary muscles. Involuntary muscles, or smooth muscles are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. These muscles move without conscious control, but they are still muscles. Which means they can become tense and shortened, just like our voluntary muscle.
Muscles and the digestive system.
There are a lot a muscles and soft tissues within our abdomens, and making up our digestive systems. Muscles work by contracting and relaxing. Our digestive systems function using these cycles of contraction and relaxation to move food through our bodies.
When muscles become tense and shortened, things get stuck and movement becomes more difficult. This can lead to pain, which makes it harder for us to move. Massage helps muscles to lengthen and relax so that when muscles contract it is a full contraction followed by a full relaxation. Through massage our bodies can reconnect with these cycles of muscle contractions and relaxation. Constipation massage helps us to reconnect with these cycles in our digestive systems. Optimal muscle function equals optimal movement. That goes for muscles throughout our bodies, including the ones in our abdomens and our digestive systems.
Book an appointment.
If you are struggling with constipation, massage can help relive your discomfort and get you, and your digestive system back on track. Contact us at 902-425-3775 for more information and to book a constipation massage.
