Effective abdominal massage for constipation

Massage for constipation in adults

Massage is useful not only for constipation, but also for its prevention. If constipation is spasmodic in nature, then the patient is recommended a soothing massage, if atonic (weakening of the colon) - stimulating. Massage for constipation in adults helps to establish natural bowel movements by activating intestinal function and improving blood circulation.

1. Exciting massage - indicated for atonic constipation. Involves smooth superficial touches - the massage therapist performs circular movements in the navel area, moving from right to left. Gradually expanding the area of ​​influence, the master captures the anterior abdominal wall. Manipulations last 2 minutes. Next, the transition to deep stroking begins: the right part of the iliac region - movement in the direction of the colon - the left part of the iliac region. The time of these manipulations is 3 minutes.

Exciting massage for constipation involves the following techniques (all lasting 2-3 minutes): • rubbing with fingertips; • rubbing with a brush; • vibration; • shading; • deep tremors; • nudges.

After the patient assumes the “belly down” position, the massage therapist begins to influence the paravertebral sections of the spinal segments. The following techniques are used here: • deep finger rubbing (45 seconds); • vibration (60 seconds); • shading (30 seconds).

The duration of the stimulating massage for constipation is 18-20 minutes. After the session, the patient is recommended to walk quietly.

2. Soothing massage - recommended for spastic constipation. It consists of: • superficial planar stroking (2 minutes); • deep stroking in the area of ​​the colon (5 minutes).

Soothing massage for constipation begins with segmental massage and continues with acupressure. The area of ​​influence and the sequence of techniques are similar to manipulations with the exciting technique. There is only one difference - each appointment takes four times longer. The duration of the session is about 20 minutes. After it, the patient rests for about half an hour in a lying position.

Indications and methods of implementation

To improve bowel function, treat constipation and prevent constipation, you can try self-massage of the abdomen. This procedure gives good results, but you need to know how to do it correctly or get help from someone who knows how to do it. Massage for constipation in adults helps reduce pain, relieve cramps and stimulate bowel movements.

This approach to eliminating the problem is safe and gentle. It is good to use if there are contraindications to the use of medications. However, you should remember about the restrictions under which you can only harm yourself.

Abdominal massage for constipation in adults will be useful for the following indications:

1. Problems of spasmodic nature. Constipation occurs due to intestinal spasms, and skillful massage in this case helps eliminate their cause. Stroking and light pressure relaxes the tense area. After the procedure, discomfort and slight pain disappear, and the person calms down. Soon normal stool sets in.
2. Intestinal disorder. This deficiency makes it difficult to pass feces. Indirect massage of the intestines for constipation improves the functioning of the organ by stimulating contractile activity.

All types are divided into 5 large groups:

• acupuncture - affects acupuncture points;
• General - simple to use, anyone can master it, use it at home, has a relaxing effect;
• Hardware massage - massage is performed under the supervision of a doctor using specialized equipment;
• Self-massage - does not require anything other than knowledge of the technique and can be performed in any conditions to improve well-being;
• Segmental Reflexive - Similar to machine massage, this type of massage can be performed under the supervision of a therapist who knows the area that needs to be activated.

General or soothing massage, acupressure and self-massage are best done at home. These are inexpensive and safe methods.

Relaxing

Bowel massage for constipation, where abdominal pain and cramping occurs, can be relaxing and soothing. For spasticity, massage movements should be gentle and light, including stroking without shaking or tapping.

Recommended technique:

1. Circular movements around the navel from right to left.
2. Impacts with deep pressure on the lower abdomen in a clockwise direction.
3. Each technique takes several minutes.
4. She ends up rubbing her entire belly.

Anyone can do this technique, it's not difficult. Self-massage is also possible, which is no less effective when it is not possible to turn to another person for help.

Acupressure

The acupressure procedure for constipation to improve bowel function is carried out several times, starting in the morning.

How to do a massage for constipation - a simple and effective option that should be done at home:

1. Stand up straight, clasp your little fingers at your chest, crossing your fingers.
2. Spread your little fingers together, resisting the pressure.
3. Massage the acupuncture points to the left of the navel for 3-5 minutes.

By influencing the active points during constipation, you can directly influence the functioning of the large and small intestines. In addition to the navel, there are other places on the body that should be simultaneously massaged for problems with the digestive system and pelvis.

Acupressure for problems with the gastrointestinal tract requires the involvement of certain areas:

• outer part of the elbow - after massage and pressure, you may feel the urge to defecate;
• back of the leg - stimulation improves colon motility;
• below the navel - about 30 blows in this area;
• to the left of the navel - this point starts the peristaltic process, activating the intestines.

Massage for constipation is effective in adults, and its results come from several actions:

• relaxation of the body, improving the functioning of the digestive system;
• Improved peristalsis, which helps with stool movement;
• Normalization of blood circulation in the abdominal cavity and pelvis.

By correctly performing massage movements for constipation, you can get rid of the problem without resorting to medications. This is also important during pregnancy, when the use of pills is not advisable. Moreover, self-massage becomes a good preventive measure. constipation and the key to normal bowel function with regular exercise.

Self-massage

How to properly perform self-massage of the abdomen:

• The procedure should begin no earlier than two hours after eating;
• It is recommended to shower beforehand;
• Carried out upon contact with unprotected skin;
• Take a comfortable position so that your body is relaxed;
• Keep your hands warm during the procedure.

Technique:

1. Light stroking relaxes the abdominal muscles.
2. Gradually begin pressing and tapping, slowly and weakly at first, then increasing in intensity. The movement starts from the navel.
3. Small circular movements are made around the navel. Perform them clockwise, working on the lower line of the ribs. You can perform this technique with the palms of both hands.

Information! Self-massage of the abdomen after taking a laxative or performing an enema is not allowed. You must choose one of them. If the tablets do not help, massage is carried out after finishing taking the drug, as indicated in the instructions.

When and how to massage for constipation?

Massage for constipation is best done in the morning – 15 minutes after a light breakfast. If the procedure is done during the day, then you need to observe an afternoon interval of 1.5-2 hours. It is, of course, advisable to trust the massage to professional massage therapists, however, if you wish, you can, having mastered the technique of self-massage, independently combat such an annoying and delicate phenomenon as constipation. Self-massage should be done daily, preferably 2-3 times. The first time is immediately after waking up. Using three fingers, massage the point in the left groin for 3-4 minutes, making soft circular movements. This is where the sigmoid colon is located, where feces are usually retained. About 20 minutes after self-massage, your stomach will begin to growl and you will feel the urge to defecate. After drinking a glass of water, you need to go to the toilet.

Indications and contraindications for abdominal massage

Indications for abdominal massage include the following diseases:

• colitis and the digestive disorders that they cause;
• flatulence, intestinal atony;
• dysbacteriosis;
• frequent constipation;
• chronic gastroduodenitis;
• enterocolitis;
• dyskinesia of the bile ducts.

It is also necessary to remember about contraindications for abdominal massage, because in some cases massage can provoke a deterioration in the patient’s well-being. Contraindications are:

• diseases of the stomach and intestines, which may cause bleeding;
• exacerbation of diseases of the stomach and intestines;
• tuberculosis of the peritoneum and intestines;
• benign and malignant neoplasms of the abdominal organs;
• sharp abdominal pain;
• the presence of stones in the gall and bladder;
• pregnancy;
• postpartum period up to 2 months.

Massage for constipation in infants

Massage for constipation in infants can be done several times a day. Not every mother dares to knead her baby’s belly. However, to make it easier for your baby to adapt to life, you need to either master massage skills or contact a specialist. Mandatory conditions for a massage: • clean and warm hands, no long nails; • the minimum interval between feeding and massage is one hour; • smooth, clean and dry surface for massage.

All massage techniques are the same as for adults. Only their rhythm and pressure should be slightly reduced. Having completed all the techniques, the child is placed on his stomach and the lumbar region is kneaded - from the shoulder blades to the pelvis. The procedure time is 10 minutes, no more.

Types of massage for bowel movements

Depending on the technique, there are the following types of abdominal massage for constipation in adults:

• The hardware type is performed by a qualified massage therapist. Involves the use of a vacuum, roller, microcurrent massager.

• Stimulation of the abdominal cavity is performed with light circular movements in a clockwise direction with light pressure. The procedure uses heated tissue.
• The dotted form allows you to speed up intestinal motility. It acts quickly, thanks to its effect on the points responsible for the health of the digestive tract.
• Segmental reflex massage involves influencing the points and nerve endings of the lumbar and thoracic back, which affect the gastrointestinal tract.
• Self-massage, in which massaging the abdominal area to normalize the act of defecation is carried out independently. If you follow the recommendations, you can cope with flatulence and induce the urge to defecate.

All types of abdominal massage for the intestines are safe and have a minimum number of contraindications, therefore this therapeutic method is used for the treatment and prevention of intestinal obstruction in adults and children from birth.

Massage for constipation, reviews

Causes of constipation for which massage is effective

Massage will not help against constipation in cases where problems with the passage of feces are associated with the presence of serious pathologies. In other situations, the therapy method is considered effective.

The most common causes of constipation are:

• Poor nutrition. The work of the intestines is stimulated by plant fibers, fiber that enters the body with food. If there are no healthy foods in the daily diet, and a person consumes fast food products and other unhealthy foods, the risk of developing constipation increases. A particularly big mistake in nutrition is the habit of eating dry food. For normal stomach function, you need to drink 2 liters of water a day, including solid food.
• Use of certain medications. Constipation is a side effect of a number of medications, so before starting to take them, you should read the instructions.
• Stress. The psychological factor provokes many gastrointestinal diseases, including constipation. Frequent depression, sleep disorders, phobias, and nervous tension become the root causes of deterioration in the functioning of the digestive system.
• Suppression of the urge to defecate. Most people experience them in the morning, after waking up. If you hold back the urge to go to the toilet for a long time, constipation appears over time.

Acupressure

Acupressure is acupressure that was widely used in ancient China to treat various ailments. The technique quickly spread throughout the world and remains popular despite the availability of modern methods of therapy. The procedure involves influencing the patient’s energy flows through pressure on biologically active points. Acupressure is also used to relieve constipation. By influencing human energy, intestinal spasms can be eliminated.

A similar technique is acupuncture, also aimed at interacting with the human energy field. It is difficult to use it yourself at home, and the procedure is a little painful.

To normalize intestinal function and speed up the process of excretion of feces, it is recommended to use the following biologically active points:

• at a distance of two fingers placed transversely from the navel;
• in the center between the chest and navel;
• at a distance of two fingers, placed transversely above the pubis;
• at the outer end of the fold with the elbow bent;
• between the index finger and thumb.

Finding the right points on the body is easy.
You need to massage the points every day, 3-4 sessions a day. The human body is most favorable for perception in the morning, after waking up early, at 5–7 am. Acupressure is performed for the first time on an empty stomach, then subsequent sessions are carried out between meals. It is prohibited to stimulate points on a full stomach.

An absolute contraindication to acupressure is pregnancy. Incorrect movements can accidentally stimulate the wrong point, which will lead to premature birth, impaired uterine tone, and other problems.

Exercises

After warming up the abdomen with massage movements, adults and children over 3 years of age are recommended to perform a number of exercises:

Constipation in the elderly

• Flexion-extension of the torso. We stand straight, feet shoulder-width apart. We smoothly bend down, reach for the floor, then smoothly stand up. Repeat – 15 times.
• Bike. A well-known exercise, performed while lying on the floor, is to imitate riding a bicycle. Duration – 1 minute.
• Pulling up the knees. We lie on our backs, bend our legs, hug them with our arms, smoothly pull them towards us, and return them. Repeat – 10 times.
• Raising straight legs. Lying on your back, we try to raise them perpendicular to the floor. Repeat – 15 times.
• Before starting exercise, older people should consult a doctor so as not to worsen their health condition.

Preparation for the event

Before you start doing massage, you need to create comfortable conditions. This is especially important for children, so that the baby does not freeze and does not worry.

It is recommended to follow these rules:

• eliminate drafts in the room;
• take care of normal air temperature – 21–23 degrees;
• prepare a hard surface;
• heat the milk or butter to room temperature;
• Wash your hands and warm them if necessary.

For baby massage, you need to choose a natural-based oil