Mar 25

Written by:
Thursday, March 25, 2010 

After you fill out your new client form, at some point I will ask you whether you would like to have stomach massage. I find that most clients say they have never had it before, and the majority of them decline.

If you have stomach inflammation, stomach ulcers, or are pregnant, then obviously abdominal massage should be avoided. However, if there are no other contraindications, you may want to give it a try, particularly if you suffer from constipation or sluggish digestion. Stomach massage is helpful in increasing the circulation of blood and the flow of energy to your internal organs.

To prepare for stomach massage, there are no unusual directions. You should do the same things you do for your regular massage session. Make sure that at least two hours have passed since your last meal. You do not want to come to your appointment with a full stomach. Also, making a pit stop at the restroom will help make your massage more comfortable.

At the start of the massage, your therapist will position you face-up on the table with a bolster under your knees. You already know that the bolster takes some of the pressure off of your back. It also helps the stomach area to relax. Beginning in the right lower quadrant of your stomach, your therapist works in a clockwise direction. The right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, and then left lower quadrant are massaged in that order. Do not hold your breath! You want your stomach to remain relaxed. Alert your therapist if you feel any discomfort or if the pressure feels too deep for you.

Now, who wants to belly up to the massage table?