Can abdominal massage…

At MaMassage Brooklyn in Prospect Heights, we got a lot of questions like…

Can abdominal massage help constipation ?

Can abdominal massage help IBS related diarrhea ?

Can abdominal massage reduce bloating ?

Can abdominal massage help menstrual pain / period discomfort ?

Can abdominal massage help me lose weight?

Can belly massage induce labor?

Is abdominal massage safe for pregnancy?

While the abdomen or belly area is often left out of many massages, there are so many reasons not to skip work in this region of the body.

Abdominal massage has many benefits including:

• digestive support - calming IBS symptoms and getting peristalsis moving to relieve constipation concerns

• lymphatic drainage- the cisterna chyli, a lymphatic structure into which the major trunks of the body drain to, is located in the abdominal region and we can improve lymphatic circulation by pumping and massaging this area, reducing abdominal bloating and systemic fluid retention. This may elicit a feeling of lightness in the body, an improvement in range of motion at joints, and reduce a feeling of fullness in the abdominal region. This does not equate to weight loss.

• reproductive support - massage increases local circulation, thereby supporting reproductive organs- reducing menstrual cramping and discomfort and potentially supporting ovulation and implantation, as well as pregnancy and postpartum concerns

• musculoskeletal support- pain and discomfort in the abdomen and even lower back can be supported with abdominal work

Abdominal massage is safe and supportive in pregnancy, with the exception of a few high risk pregnancy conditions. Expert and cautious abdominal work during pregnancy will not induce an early labor. Abdominal work at the end of pregnancy (after 38 weeks) may help relax the muscles, which may facilitate the body’s natural progression towards optimal fetal positioning, and subsequently, the start of labor.

For abdominal massage at MaMassage Brooklyn, we incorporate different massage modalities based on our therapist’s varied trainings. While none of us are trained in Mayan Abdominal Massage / Arvigo method (our owner does not align with the exploitation of Mayan knowledge by the westernized training/curriculum) we do utilize other techniques that included Hara work from Shiatsu, parts of the Nuad Boran (Thai massage) abdominal protocol, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder technique) , diaphragmatic breathwork, myofascial release, and Swedish massage.

You can discuss your care and concerns about abdominal massage with your massage therapist or by emailing kiera@mamassage.org