ABDOMINAL MASSAGE

When you think of massage, our back and our shoulders are normally the first areas that come to mind. Those areas are important. But too often the front of the body is neglected. While your neck and shoulders often store stress, our abdomen stores emotion. It is where we process things—more than just food. 

When we feel certain about something, we might say, “I had a gut feeling.” or “I felt it in my gut.” When we experience trauma, we say, “It was like a gut punch.” When we worry, we feel as if our stomach is in knots. When we’re excited, we might say, “I have butterflies in my stomach.” In the same way that we massage muscle to relieve stress, massaging the abdomen can not only help us soothe our emotional wounds, but also feel into the pleasing emotions more fully. 

Much of abdominal massage is done in a clockwise direction, which follows the flow of the digestive system. It is meant to be a calming and soothing experience. If you feel emotion during the abdominal portion of your massage, that most likely means you’re experiencing healing. Just breathe through it. 

Most of us are often embarrassed by our mid-section. We try to hold it in and make ourselves look slim when we’re in public. We keep it covered whenever possible. Not only are we often embarrassed by our mid-section, but the abdomen is also a vulnerable place. We sleep in the fetal position to protect this delicate area. Because we hold it so close, it can be particularly sensitive to touch. When you intentionally choose to be open with this vulnerable part of your body, and that openness is rewarded with attentive and nurturing touch, the sensitive nature of this area often responds with feelings of freedom and an enhanced awareness of your core being. 

If your tummy gurgles or grumbles during abdominal massage, it is normal and simply means that there were some things that needed to move that were finally able to do so. 

Ask me about including abdominal massage in your next session. It can be a beautiful and healing experience.