Abdominal Sacral Massage ~ "I have been offering this massage for a few years now & find that it offers something that very few massage practitioners tackle the "belly"...

 

What is deep abdominal massage? This deep abdominal massage, also known as colon massage or internal organ massage, is a fantastic treatment that focuses on the metabolic and energetic functions of the abdomen to release trapped gases, blockages and waste products. It works deep on the ‘second brain’ and is a very powerful massage technique that has a range of benefits. What are the benefits of deep abdominal massage?

• digestive problems
• constipation and bloating
• abdominal fluid retention
• menopausal symptoms
• infertility
• painful or irregular periods
• lower back pain
• ovulation problems
• detoxification of the body
• pelvic infections
• ovarian cysts
• heavy bleeding
• stress
• postural problems
• ….and many more

What happens during deep abdominal massage? During your massage, you will first be asked a few questions to ensure that deep abdominal massage is right for you. After this, your therapist will use a range of massage and holding techniques to work the different abdominal fascia and connective tissues. You will also receive specialised sacral massage to gently work the tissues behind the abdominal organs and open up the sacrum.

 

What do I need to do before my deep abdominal massage? Do not have a heavy meal within about an hour before your massage, and as with all massage do not drink alcohol beforehand.   What do I need to do after my deep abdominal massage? Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and heavy food for 24 hours. As with all therapies involving massage, you may experience slight tiredness or mild flu-like symptoms for up to 24 hours afterwards due to the toxin release from your body.   When can’t I have a deep abdominal massage? You will need to tell your therapist if you suffer from any of the following:

• Cancer, heart disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, DVT or at risk of or have had an embolism.
• Acute (“flare up”) stages of illness e.g. diverticulitis.
• Skin disorders e.g. phlebitis, ulceration or open wounds in the area to be treated.
• Infectious illnesses such as cold, flu or chest infection.
• Are pregnant
• Systematic oedema

 

Background Info

And here’s something that is going to blow your mind (either one) … just like your skull brain, your gut brain is able to learn, remember and produce emotion-based feelings. In fact, some of you may be having light-bulb moments, realizing that plenty-O-emotion comes from your guts, and thus the express gut-level feeling. Further, we already know that it takes 20 minutes for the brain and stomach to come to an agreement that you are full when eating. Thus, Our Lady of Weight Loss’s 20 minute rule (eat and wait 20 minutes to see if you really, really want more). Should you stomach feel fluttery butterflies, you skull brain chimes right in with its version of fluttery. One might easily come to the conclusion that your two brains are in direct communications with each other and have a mighty powerful influence over each other. Because of this direct brain-gut connection, the state of your gut has a profound influence on your psychological well-being.

 

The Science of It

While you were busy developing in the womb, both your gut (which, by the way, includes your colon, small intestine, stomach and esophagus) and your skull brain developed from the same clump of embryonic tissue. At some point (clearly! huh!!) they divided. One part grew into your central nervous system (brain and cranial nerves); and the other into your enteric nervous system (gut brain). Later on, the two brains became connected through your super inner-highway; the vagus nerve. Actually, the total of nerve cells in your gut is greater than the total nerves connecting the rest your body to your brain. This complex circuitry allows your “gut brain” to act totally independent of the brain in your skull. There’s more to it, of course, and lots of big, fat books written on the subject. But for now, I thought that this topic in particular, was great Food for Thought!

SUSAN DE MUYNCK - Therapist