People think of booking a massage appointment to treat their muscle aches but did you know that massage can also help manage digestive issues? Massage therapy can play a significant role in aiding your digestive health.
Massage therapy has a positive impact on your digestion through:
- Direct massage of the abdominal area
- Stress management
- Overall Improvement of Circulation
Abdominal Massage
The abdominal region is one of the least requested areas of treatment, yet it can be so beneficial! For issues such as constipation, your massage therapist will massage in the direction of flow of the large intestine and help encourage movement.
Don’t worry…it’s not immediate 😊
Massage of the abdominal region can also help regulate peristalsis which is the involuntary contraction of the digestive tract. When peristalsis is hyperactive, it results in symptoms of diarrhea and counter to this, hypomobility of the digestive tract can result in symptoms of constipation. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system that controls peristalsis and thereby helps regulate digestion.
Stress Reduction
Digestive issues can often be triggered by your nervous systems response to stress. Stress not only can result in tight muscles but it also affects the functioning of your digestive organs. For instance, stomach ulcers are a common issue that develop as a result of stress. If you can manage your stress, you reduce the risk of this serious condition.
Another condition that is commonly associated with stress and anxiety is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Massage works to provide overall stress relief and can reduce frequency of IBS flare ups.
Improves Overall Circulation
Massage therapy is all about circulation. When your circulation is improved, your body systems are able to function more efficiently. This increased circulation that happens with massage also includes increased circulation to your digestive organs which allow them to function optimally.
These are all great reasons to give abdominal massage a try to help aid digestion but the best reason is that….IT FEELS AMAZING!!!
Send us a message if you have any questions or book an appointment.
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