I just realised that writing a blog post about movement and breath without relating it to my services, is a missed opportunity for understanding how awesome abdominal massage is. In the previous post i discussed how movement and breathing help our gut directly by increasing motility, and indirectly by lowering the body’s stress response.
Abdominal massage works in a similar way. The motion of hands moving over the skin with a variety of depth (all very gentle - ranging from on the skin, to a little ways beneath. I only go deep if a client asks, and I don’t sense that it’s going to harm their body) helps to regulate peristalsis, which in cases where it is sluggish, can speed up your current food transit time and for some people, stimulate a bowel movement soon after (hooray!). It encourages deep breathing, and as i work around the diaphragm it can release tension in this area and improve the quality of your breathing after the session. Abdominal massage is nurturing and relaxing. Many clients fall asleep, and feel energised later on.
Our lymphatic drainage system runs just beneath the skin. Hence, a gentle, light contact is the best for detoxification of the lymphatic system. As the body responds with more efficient peristalsis, and freer flowing lymph, the overall load of toxicity is decreased. This may mean improved digestion in the future, better absorption of nutrients, less bloating and more energy.
Abdominal massage can assist with constipation via the the benefits of movement and breathing which i discussed in the previous post. Another important element is that It also has the dimension - as all body work modalities should have - of a supportive practitioner who is trustworthy, nurturing and works with the clear intention of assisting your body to restore flow.
Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions - restoreflow@outlook.com or 0276188500. Or make an appointment under the “Appointments” tab on this website. Mondays and Fridays in Snells Beach, Tuesday and Thursdays in Northcote.