A lot of clients have been asking about abdominal massage and I feel compelled to shed some light on this often neglected area. Usually in an hour long session I won’t work this area unless requested but lately I’ve been finding myself there more and more. I can definitely fit within 60 min but if you can book a longer session, even better.
First and foremost, the abdominal region is a large part of our body that often remains left out during bodywork and thus contributes to our feeling of disconnectedness to this area. Bringing awareness to this part of our body will let our brain know that we’re connected from top to bottom, front to back. After all, our trunk is multidimensional. Not only is receiving abdominal massage deeply relaxing, but it benefits us on physical and psychological levels, from posture, breathing, digestion, cramping, anxiety, and self-confidence.
Try not to let how you feel about your belly get in the way of your healing process and relaxation. I was apprehensive at receiving abdominal work for years, until I finally let someone work on me. Now I can’t believe I was ignoring this area of my body.
What to expect?
I will start this portion of the massage by assessing and relaxing the surface level- gently feeling for any fascial adhesions and letting the body’s tissues unwind. I will likely do some circular and wave-like motions in-line with the intestinal tract and work under the rib cage. Then depending on what your body is asking for, I can then get into more specific work on the abdominal and intercostal muscles and digestive organs. The abdominal and intercostal muscles (in between and under the ribs), and then deeper muscles (psoas and iliacus) that attach to the hip bone.
Tight abdominal and intercostal muscles and can affect our digestive system and our breathing. Tight psoas (deepest ab muscle) and iliacus (lining the pelvic bowl) muscles often translate into low back and hip pain and are often severely neglected. If you’re experiencing shooting or tingling down from the hip crease down the front of your leg, it is likely that your psoas is tight. Abdominal work can also work wonders for menstrual cramping – both during and as a preventative, as it can release muscle spasms. Additionally, if clients have surgery scars, such as C-section scars, I can work these areas as well if you wish, which helps re-hydrate the scar tissue.
During this work, only your belly, from your lower ribs until a couple inches below your belly button (underwear line) will be exposed. I can also work over the sheet if you prefer. I recommend doing a little self-massage here as well to get yourself used to receiving touch here. Work in a clockwise direction to help with digestion. Just don’t eat a big meal prior to coming in!
Contact me if you have any questions about this type of work or would like to book a session.
Dogs aren’t the only ones who could use a good belly rub…
My goal is that you leave as happy as this guy!
Emily Luhrs Massage & Cranial Sacral Therapy 