Simple Massage Techniques to Promote Bowel Movements
Massage techniques, especially abdominal massage, are helpful to promote bowel movements. Chinese massage is a natural and safe method to assist in healing or recovery. By applying special manipulations to the abdomen, massage creates pressure to the abdominal cavity, which can transmit to the intestines, stimulating bowel movements and promoting the flow of contents inside the intestines. Moreover, massage helps relax local muscles, promote blood circulation, and enhance overall digestive function.
Simple massage techniques that you can perform at home are below:
Press along the large intestine
Keep in a lying position and bend the knees. Start from the lower right abdomen, using the fingers or hands to press forcefully along the right margin of the abdomen, press across the upper abdomen, and then press the left margin of the abdomen, ending at the lower left abdomen; press around the navel to finish. Repeat the steps for 5 to 10 minutes every time. Perform this routine in the morning and evening every day.
Press the tian shu (St25)
Keep in a lying position, first locate the acupoint, tian shu (St25), which is lateral to the navel and the width of your index finger, middle finger, and ring finger combined. Use the thumb or middle finger to press on the right point, kneading forcefully in a clockwise direction, then repeat on the left point. Massage for 3 to 5 seconds, the force is better to create a feeling of soreness, numbness, or slight pain in the region, do this for 5 to 10 times. Perform this routine in the morning and evening every day.
Knead lower back
Keep in a prone position. Let another person knead on your lower back with the thumbs, knead along both sides of the spine, the section between the lumbar to sacral, back and forth 5 minutes each time. Perform this routine in the morning and evening every day.Palm-heel push the abdomen
Keep in a lying position. Let another person use the palm heel to push on your abdomen. First, from left abdomen towards the right 10 times; then push on the right abdomen towards the left 10 times. Finally, push along the midline of the abdominal wall, from the lower end of the breastbone towards the pubic bone, for 10 times. Perform this routine in the morning and evening every day.
Individuals can also find professional massagers for help, and they can perform more effectively. Click to see the Chinese massage protocol for constipation.
Bowel habits vary greatly from person to person, the differences are commonly seen in the stool quality, frequency and how much effort to make for passing stools. What's normal for one might be abnormal to another. As long as your bowel movements are consistent with your usual pattern, don't experience significant changes or discomfort, it's generally considered normal.
Maintaining a consistent routine with soft and well-formed stools, that are easy to pass is crucial for digestive health. As regular bowel movements helps ensure that the digestive system functions smoothly and efficiently.
