Constipation, also called constipation or constipation, is a nuisance that affects many people and occurs when bowel movements become less frequent than normal (less than three times a week) or are particularly painful.
Often this is a rather annoying situation, which generates general malaise. It can be temporary or chronic, and there are many ways to alleviate it.
Among them, even massages can play their part.
and waste products, both indirectly, by reducing stress and consequently decreasing the pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
The most suitable massages for this purpose are the abdominal ones but not only.
When to see a doctor
Going more than three days without a bowel movement, while not considered healthy, is not a cause for concern if it happens sporadically.
Instead, it is better to consult a doctor if the situation becomes chronic, lasts for more than two weeks, is accompanied by severe pain in the stomach or a "sudden weight loss.
abdominal would have the merit of increasing the frequency of bowel movements, decreasing the transit time in the colon, relieving pain and general discomfort.
Additionally, it would stimulate muscle contractions that help restore bowel movement in people with post-surgical ileus.
How to do it
- Lie on your back and use both hands to apply gentle pressure to the abdomen.
- Begin on the lower right side of the abdomen, slowly making clockwise circles and applying light pressure.
- Then, use the palm of your right hand to apply gentle pressure to the inside of the hip bone.
- Release and apply pressure on the right side, under the center of the ribs and on the left side.
- Switch to the left hand to apply pressure to the inside of the left iliac bone.
- Use the fingertips of both hands to press up on the abdomen.
- Start at the bottom right and move clockwise.
- Repeat the steps for the desired time.
How to do it
- Sit or lie down with your knees bent so your torso is straight and relaxed and your stomach soft.
- Use your fingertips, knuckles or the palm of your hand to stroke or apply pressure to the belly.
- Massage the area corresponding to the colon in horseshoe-shaped movements, starting in the lower right corner.
Other types of massages to relieve constipation
In addition to massages to be performed directly in the affected area, there are other massages which, even if carried out on other parts of the body, would positively interfere with the phenomenon of constipation.
Although there is still no scientific evidence of this correlation, foot massages would seem particularly suitable, especially in children.
Perineal messages would also have positive consequences. In fact, a 2015 study found that perineal self-acupressure combined with standard constipation care would improve the effectiveness of basic care.
and the baby's lower abdomen clockwise, a couple of times during the day.Better to wait at least 45 minutes after feeding before proceeding with the massage.
This method can relieve a momentary problem but it is necessary to consult the pediatrician if the child has pain in the stomach or rectum that has lasted for more than an "hour, is bleeding from the anus, has constipation for more than a week or has symptoms. associated with vomiting and weakness.
Effects of massage in pregnancy
Massages, especially the abdominal one, can also be valuable to combat constipation in pregnancy, a rather common phenomenon especially during the second and third trimester.
In this case, be sure to make soft movements. It is best to avoid abdominal massage during the first trimester of pregnancy.
and caffeine-free liquids throughout the day.To keep an eye on your regularity, you can write a food diary in order to understand how the diet you are pursuing affects bowel movements or not.
Aloe supplements can also be useful to improve intestinal function.
