Bowel massage: for constipation, atony, adhesions, colitis and bloating

Intestinal massage is a useful and effective procedure that helps with pain symptoms, as well as many different pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

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Indications for the procedure

Massages are indicated for various pathologies and disorders in the gastrointestinal tract – constipation, colitis, atony, bloating, spasms, etc.

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Bowel massage for constipation

Intestinal massage for constipation is one of the auxiliary methods, but it is also considered the most effective in this situation. Stimulation of intestinal peristalsis and performing movements that promote muscle toning provokes the movement of feces and causes natural defecation.

But it is necessary to take into account that massage can solve the problem only in isolated cases of constipation. If they are regular, it is necessary to consult a doctor to find out the reason for the appearance of this disorder. Constipation can develop as a result of many pathologies, including malignant tumors in the intestine.

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Massage for intestinal adhesions

The main goal of such massage is to detect the adhesion area (sometimes additional examination is required for this) and then create tension in this area – to force the adhesion site to become active.

In fact, it is allowed to massage the area of any compaction, especially if it remains after surgery, and especially if there is a nagging pain in this area. During the massage, you need to try to "disconnect" the organs, but you cannot stretch them with force, causing additional damage. The goal is to direct the body, help it cope with this problem.

This massage can cause quite severe pain, but you will have to endure it. It should be taken into account that it is forbidden to massage areas that were recently damaged, as well as fresh scars left after surgery.

Massage for intestinal atony

Intestinal atony is a fairly common disease of polyetiological origin. This pathology manifests itself in the form of constipation. The evacuation function can be disrupted by both the features of the anatomical structure of organs together with disorders of intestinal innervation and blood supply, and external causes, including a sedentary lifestyle, improper diet and medication.

Massage for intestinal atony is a very effective treatment method. It helps to normalize stool (without using medications), improve the patient's well-being, and also gives the skin a healthy color.

Abdominal massage for intestinal pain

The occurrence of pain in the intestines is provoked by the following factors - stress, violation of the nutritional regime and poor ecology. As a result, such pathologies as gastritis, ulcers, chronic cholecystitis, etc. develop.

To prevent the development of these diseases, one should use such an effective method of treatment as Chinese massage. It allows improving the process of blood supply to the abdomen and intestinal cavity - this happens as a result of the impact on individual acupuncture points. In addition, this procedure improves the processes of fat and protein metabolism, as well as glucose, and along with this, the digestive function.

Intestinal massage for colitis

In case of spastic colitis, it is necessary to reduce muscle tone and relax the muscles in the abdominal area (if possible). In addition, it is necessary to relieve pain and get rid of adhesions. Massage should be done with warm hands (touching with cold hands will only worsen the situation). It is necessary to perform slow light stroking and rubbing. This should be done clockwise, in a circle. Hand pressure should be minimal.

In the case of the atonic type of pathology, the opposite effect on the intestines is required. In this case, it is necessary to increase the tone of the abdominal and intestinal muscles. It is necessary to increase its performance, accelerate blood flow and remove congestion. The movements should be rhythmic, and the force of pressing the hands should be medium. As a rule, stroking, vibration, and kneading are used.

Intestinal massage for colitis of any type is performed for 10-15 minutes, and the entire course consists of 12-15 such procedures. If necessary, it can be repeated after 1-2 months.

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Bowel massage with breathing

Gastrointestinal massage using diaphragmatic breathing helps to normalize the function of the peritoneum, as well as improve its work. Many experts claim that such a procedure allows you to get rid of constant constipation in a few weeks.

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Bowel massage for flatulence

It is known that the appearance of discomfort in the abdomen and flatulence is caused by the fact that gases accumulate in the stomach and intestines. Often, no medication is required to eliminate this problem - a simple abdominal massage is enough. With the help of this simple procedure, gases will move to the lower part of the intestine and leave the body faster.

You can do a massage for flatulence yourself. You should lie on your back and then stroke your stomach in a circular motion. The pressure force should be determined based on your own feelings. Often, 15 minutes of massage is enough to completely eliminate discomfort. After the gases have passed and you feel better, you should finish the procedure.

Massage for intestinal spasms

During intestinal spasms, pain appears suddenly, then weakens, but after some time it becomes stronger again. This indicates a violation of intestinal function. The violation can be provoked by various factors - pathologies of the digestive system, intestinal infection with parasites or its strong stretching, infections, etc.

To eliminate such spasms, you should massage the intestines - this procedure can be done independently. To do this, you need to stroke the abdomen, while lightly pressing on it. You should move clockwise in the umbilical area.

Before the procedure, it is allowed to take a medicine with antispasmodic properties (for example, Papaverine, No-shpa, Drotaverine, etc.). After the massage, you should take a bath or hold a warm heating pad on your stomach.

In case of intestinal spasms, it is recommended to do massage several times a day - at times when the pain intensifies. The procedure must be performed until all discomfort disappears.

Is it possible to do massage if you have colon cancer?

If a person has an oncological pathology, massage should be done carefully. Before performing it, the massage therapist should consult with the oncologist who is the patient's attending physician.

Nowadays, the opinions of specialists regarding massage in oncology differ sharply. One group believes that the procedure should not be performed categorically, while the other, on the contrary, sees great benefit in it for patients. For example, there are techniques (such as acupressure) that significantly improve the condition of a patient with oncology.

Acupressure has been used to treat people with cancer for quite some time now, and several years ago the American National Cancer Institute officially approved this method.

Special point pressures help reduce pain, remove swelling and relieve nausea, and also activate lymph flow. This procedure helps eliminate pain in the tumor area – while the impact is carried out on individual points, which can be located quite far from the organ affected by the disease. For example, in case of intestinal oncology, it is necessary to affect points that are located in the limb area. This method is much safer for the patient, which distinguishes it from direct massage of the peritoneum.

Preparation

Preparation for the massage consists of the following steps:

• hands, as well as the body, should be washed well;
• there are cases when massage needs to be performed not directly on the skin surface, but through underwear (cotton or wool);
• It is necessary to relax the muscles in the abdominal area as much as possible, as well as the anterior wall of the peritoneum. This can be achieved by sitting comfortably in a lying position;
• All hand movements during massage should be carried out in the direction of the lymphatic flow.

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Technique bowel massage

The procedure of bowel massage should be performed carefully and accurately. When performing it, it is necessary to follow certain rules and techniques.

When performing kneading with stroking, you should stick to a smooth slow tempo, without abrupt movements. They, ideally, should resemble contractions of the smooth muscles of the intestinal canal. But when performing abrupt and intense movements, the intestinal muscles will, on the contrary, tense up.

The massage should be done so that the hand movements penetrate deep into the peritoneum. When performing kneading, it is necessary to control the movements of the peritoneum walls - they should repeat the movements performed by the hands of the masseur. If this rule is neglected, the massage will not give the desired effect, as it will be too superficial. And in some cases, this can even cause irritation.

The massage should be performed when the intestines are empty, because this will allow the vascular walls to be affected with greater intensity. In this case, the back part of the intestine will be exposed to the same effect along with the anterior intestinal wall. When the intestines are full, only the anterior wall will be massaged.

But you can't do the procedure on an empty stomach either. The most suitable time to do it in this case would be in the morning - after a light breakfast or a cup of tea.

Colon massage

To stimulate the motility of the sluggish colon, it is necessary to act on the muscles of the buttocks, the lumbar region in the sacrum area, the femoral muscles, and also the groin area. These areas need to be rubbed, stroked and use the vibration technique (weak chopping, as well as puncturing).

In the sacral region, vibrations should be performed for 3-5 minutes. In the area of the anterior wall of the rectum (above the anus, 4 cm higher), mechanical vibration is performed in the direction from top to bottom. The intermittent vibration technique is used to affect the spinous processes area.

Small intestine massage

The small intestine consists of the following parts: the jejunum, duodenum, and ileum. Since this area of the internal organs is located in very close contact with the large intestine, it is impossible to directly massage only this area. In this case, an indirect effect on the small intestine will be carried out using stroking, pressing with the palm (or fingertips) and intermittent vibration technique with the fingertips. The massage is performed over the entire abdominal area - clockwise from right to left.

The small intestine can also be affected by reflex action - when stimulating intestinal peristalsis or in the process of relieving pain. To do this, press deeply on the vagus nerve on both sides of the neck, and also in front or behind the GKS muscle. This procedure must be performed for 3 minutes.

Massage for intestinal prolapse

In case of prolapse of the intestines and stomach, a special technique is required for massage. The procedure is composed taking into account the reflex areas that are located on the back, neck, abdomen, and sternum.

You can do this massage yourself. To do this, lie on your back and bend your knees. Then you need to press lightly on your stomach, moving your right hand along the abdominal wall in a clockwise direction. It is not allowed to rise abruptly after the massage - you need to let the muscles relax a little. To do this, lie down and rest for 20 minutes.

Bowel massage for infants

Most often, malaise in infants occurs due to digestive disorders. Gases accumulating in the intestines disturb the child, which is why he cannot sleep, constantly screams and pulls his legs up to his stomach.

To normalize intestinal function and improve the digestive process, you should perform acupressure of the reflexogenic area, which is located around the navel. In addition, you need to use your fingertips to perform deep and superficial stroking in the lumbar region, where there is a large reflexogenic area responsible for the functioning of the kidneys and liver, as well as the digestive system.

Very carefully, using the fingertips (index and thumb), rub the area that is located inside the triangle in the area between the index and thumb on the baby. It is very important, as it helps to strengthen the entire body, and also stabilizes the intestines, eliminates nervous tension and increases appetite.

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Contraindications to the procedure

The procedure also has contraindications. Intestinal massage cannot be performed on pregnant women, as well as those who have recently given birth. In addition, it is prohibited to perform the procedure during menstruation, as well as after abortions (in this case - for 3 months).

It is recommended to avoid massage if the patient has intestinal pathologies (such as, for example, tuberculosis in the abdominal cavity, and in addition benign or malignant tumors), gynecological diseases, especially in acute form (for example, inflammation of the ovaries). The procedure is also contraindicated after recent operations in the peritoneum (it may be allowed, but only after consultation with a doctor).

It is not recommended to perform intestinal massage if the patient has fluctuations in blood pressure.

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