Abdominal or Sacral Massage
Have you noticed how young babies seem to experience everything through their bellies? That first smile – wind? The far away look when filling their nappy? The way that their tummy tenses when they cry or draw up their knees into their tummy when in pain or scared? In baby massage, the key to relaxation is found in the belly – you can drive around in the car for the entire evening in an attempt to lull baby to sleep, but until her tummy is relaxed and soothed, there is absolutely no possibility of a peaceful night!
And it is the same for us adults, although we have often developed ways of ignoring, or have simply become used to, the symptoms of imbalance that we were so responsive to as babies.
The digestive system is often referred to as the “second brain” because it comprises a completely separate nervous system of its own – the enteric nervous system (ENS), containing almost as many neurons as the brain itself. This system, connected directly to the brain by the vagus nerve, is embedded in the wall of the gut and, as well as controlling the digestion, it plays a very important role in our physical and mental well-being. It is worth noting that most of the serotonin (happiness hormone) in our bodies is produced in the gut.
All of us are familiar with the way in which our emotions can effect our digestive functioning – churning or “butterflies” in the stomach when we feel nervous; feelings of nausea if we are scared; constipation when we clam up emotionally. Shock is often felt as “a punch in the belly”, if we don’t want to do something, we “haven’t the stomach for it”….and as well as physically digesting food, we talk of “digesting” things on a mental or emotional level too.
In yoga practice, deep abdominal breathing is used to physically relax the belly, often resulting in better digestion and inducing a sensation of calm and mental clarity.
In a similar way, specific massage to the abdomen and lower back can be used to help us to optimum health, addressing conditions relating to the digestive and reproductive systems, low back issues as well as promoting general well-being. Just as when we were very young, if our abdomen remains soothed, healthy and relaxed, we usually feel calm and happy in ourselves!
Abdominal massage may help improve blood circulation to and from the organs, nerve plexuses and muscles, enhance hormone production and accelerate waste removal. The digestive organs are then better able to convert food into energy. By releasing tension in the abdomen, abdominal massage may allow the diaphragm to contract more fully, potentially increasing lung capacity and strengthening breathing.
By improving circulation to the nerves, uterus and ovaries and helping to relax the abdomen, massage can reduce pain and bloating before and during menstruation and may support fertility.
Massage may help to realign organs that have shifted position due to tension, blockage or surgery, by gently encouraging them back into place and relieving pressure on them. Deep massage to the area of the colon may help to loosen hardened debris and encourage a natural movement. Improved blood and lymphatic circulation is very important in treating scar tissue, so massage post-operatively may be beneficial.
What happens in a session?
The first session includes a consultation to give an in depth understanding of the symptoms (please note that if you are experiencing abdominal symptoms advice from your medical practitioner should be sought first) . This is followed by a thorough but sensitive massage to the abdomen and lower back. Follow-up care and self-help techniques are discussed to enable good abdominal health to be maintained post treatment.
For more information on abdominal / sacral massage, please contact Marianne via the reception on (01865) 558561
