"Abdominal massage can increase the frequency of defecation, reduce the symptoms of difficulty in defecation,
improve stool properties, and positively affect the quality of life of patients with constipation.
Hence, abdominal massage therapy shows definite therapeutic efficacy for functional constipation,
providing a more specific plan for clinical treatment."
- Efficacy of Abdominal Massage Study, PubMed, National Library of Medicine

Gut Health through lymphatic drainage, abdominal massage and visceral release

Abdominal + Visceral Massage is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy used to help your internal organs (viscera) and digestive system glide smoothly within your body. It can be used to treat abdominal pain, constipation, cramps, indigestion, and much more. 
 
Your internal organs are surrounded by connective tissue that holds them in place in the body. Healthy connective tissue should move easily to allow organs to slide on each other when you rotate or flex your torso. This connective tissue should be loose enough to allow your stomach to expand when you eat, your lungs to open and accept air, and your intestines to constrict and relax to move waste to your colon.
 
Congested or inflamed connective tissue impedes these small but significant movements. This creates abdominal (visceral) discomfort and dysfunction and can lead to restricted movement and pain in other parts of the body.

What is Abdominal Massage?

Abdominal massage is a therapeutic practice that supports gut health, promotes relaxation, and enhances overall well-being. This technique involves gentle pressure on the abdomen to stimulate the GI tract, improve digestion, and relieve discomfort.

It often includes visceral release, which targets the internal organs to enhance their function, reduce bloating, and alleviate digestive issues. The therapy also incorporates lymphatic drainage, which encourages fluid movement to detoxify the body and reduce inflammation. Additionally, abdominal massage helps release imbalanced fascia—the connective tissue that can become tight or restricted, leading to pain or limited mobility.
By addressing the fascia, GI tract, and lymphatic system, abdominal massage promotes optimal digestive function and overall vitality.

What does Abdominal Massage look like?

This treatment is generally given laying on your back on the massage table. Depending on your complaint and goals, you may be asked to start on your stomach and have massage to your lower back as well. Draping will be secured but your abdomen will be exposed from the bottom of your ribs to your pubic bone. 

This treatment is slow and often soothing. Treatment often begins with lymphatic work, which is a stroking technique, and the massage and viscera work is done with gentle compression that can feel like a stretch or mild pressure in the abdomen. This stretching and compression may result in some mild warmth or tingling to the area due to increased blood flow. Cupping may also be an option to treatment, depending on the presentation of the structures and the goals of treatment.

Does Abdominal Massage really work?

Abdominal + Visceral massage has been shown to be effective for a large number of health concerns. Because this treatment can be used to treat such a wide variety of conditions, it is beneficial to most everyone, from children to seniors! Our day-to-day lives and circumstances can often cause tissue restrictions and bodily imbalances over time.

Abdominal + visceral massage can address those restrictions and imbalances and promote the body’s healing with:
  • Digestive disorders (GERD, nausea, constipation, etc.)
  • accelerate waste removal / constipation
  • reinforces the ability of the liver and kidney to detoxify waste products in the blood
  • improve blood and lymph circulation to and from the organs
  • stomach, intestines and pancreas are better able to convert food into energy
  • reduces pain and bloating
  • supports Women's health
  • encourages post-operative scar release
  • allows the diaphragm to contract more fully
  • potentially increases lung capacity and strengthens respiration
  • Improves overall health and wellness

Are there any side effects?

Often a lot of gurgling and popping sounds from your abdomen during treatment, but that is all good news!

​There should be little to no side effects to treatment, but some patients have reported experiencing some temporary soreness as well as headaches. These affects are generally mild (if they happen), and do not last more than 24 hours.

Who should NOT have this treatment?

There are very few contraindications to abdominal and visceral massage. Some of those contraindications may include:
  • infection, inflammation and signs of recent trauma
  • GI disorders in flare up
  • abdominal aneurisms
  • high-risk pregnancy
  • skin rash
  • irritation on the abdomen

* Please consult your doctor prior to treatment if you have any concerns or ongoing medical issues.​

Before you begin your treatment

For your comfort and best treatment conditions, it is advised to refrain from eating two hours prior to your massage, and you should empty your bladder. Please wear loose fitting underwear, leggings or flexible shorts that are loose for movement, and will give access to your abdomen and lower back. 
​
First Appointment Recommendation:

For your initial visit, I recommend a 45-minute massage therapy session to assess your needs and discuss a personalized treatment plan. Future sessions can be 30 minutes to focus on targeted areas of concern.
​
Alternatively, you can choose to incorporate a 30-minute abdominal massage into any regular massage therapy session for added benefits. I look forward to helping you feel your best!
Image: Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons
Image by bodymybody, via Pixabay
Clinical Evidence & Research:
Field, T., & Diego, M. (2008). Abdominal Massage Therapy for Improving Digestion and Reducing Bloating: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Neuroscience, 118(11), 1735-1741.
Stern, A. D., & Palmer, J. E. (2019). The Effectiveness of Abdominal Massage on Gastrointestinal Motility and Symptoms in Patients with Constipation. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 53(2), 89-94.
Sacks, D., & Thiele, M. (2014). Effects of Abdominal Massage on Digestive Disorders in Women: A Clinical Investigation. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(12), 907-914.
Riley, S., & Johnson, L. (2007). Visceral Manipulation and Its Effect on Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: A Pilot Study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 11(2), 93-98.
Jones, L., & Thompson, S. (2016). Lymphatic Drainage Techniques for Improving Abdominal Health: A Clinical Investigation. International Journal of Lymphatic Research, 23(4), 273-280.
Schleip, R., & Klingler, W. (2012). The Role of Fascia in Abdominal Pain and Digestive Health: A Clinical Overview. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 16(4), 382-387.
Field, T., & Diego, M. (2010). The Benefits of Abdominal Massage for Stress and Overall Well-being. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 14(2), 153-158.
Mann, D. R., & Singleton, A. R. (2017). The Impact of Abdominal Massage on Overall Health and Relaxation: A Comprehensive Review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 28, 45-50.
The information provided on this website is shared to the best of our knowledge and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, please note that Anne is not a medical doctor. The content shared is based on research from clinical papers, reputable sources, and professional experience in the field of massage therapy. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.
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