Words By Frederic Impens (Dip. Remedial Massage)

The belly is often omitted during regular massage, due to feelings of discomfort or vulnerability associated with this area. However, it is vital for our wellbeing to address this area to achieve better physical and emotional health.

In Asian and Western traditional medicine, techniques to treat the organs have been passed down through generations of healers who understood the importance of working with this vital area for our digestive and reproductive health as well as overall wellbeing.

The skin, fascia (connective tissue), deep postural muscles, organs and meridian lines are treated to detoxify the body of impurities, improve blood supply to the area and release stagnant energy stuck in the abdomen. This will often affect one’s emotional and mental state; improve digestion, elimination, sleep and general energy levels.

Belly massage combined with dietary changes/nutritional advice will have even greater impact on overall wellbeing (refer to one of our GCPSH experienced colleagues who work in the field of nutrition). Many digestive issues such as IBS, diverticulitis, abdominal pain, bloating can be alleviated with this approach.

Fascia of the abdomen can often thicken due to injury, operations or pregnancy often having a pulling effect on the rest of the body resulting in pain or dysfunction in other areas e.g. . . A caesarean scar can often cause lower back pain. Releasing the fascial adhesions can bring a great relief to a myriad of problems in the abdominal and pelvic area and beyond.

Tight muscles around the abdomen and the hip area are often the key issue in many lower back problems. Working around the belly can often greatly relieve lower back pain, shallow breathing and bad posture (sitting for extended period of time shortens hip flexors. This causes diaphragm to contract, the shoulders and neck are pulled forward which then puts extra pressure on the back of the body causing pain in shoulders and upper back).

With the practice of belly massage; the vital functions of the organs in the abdominal cavity such as liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas are greatly restored by flashing the organs with new oxygenated blood and fresh energy.

Massage on the belly area can also be quite emotional. Most of us hold tension and emotions in this area which is rarely addressed. As the work is very deep on so many levels, we recommend not planning anything after the session apart from relaxation and some nourishing and easily digestible vegetable soup.

For best results we recommend a series of 3-5 weekly sessions.

To make an appointment with any of our qualified Massage Therapist please call us on 07 5500 6470