While massage therapy is best-known among most people for help with things like muscle aches and pain, and with good reason, these are not the full extent of massage's possible benefits or uses - not by a long shot. There are numerous other areas where massage can have a positive impact on patients, and one of these is among those who are having digestive issues.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're happy to offer a wide range of massage therapy techniques for patients around Lehi, Orem, Saratoga Springs, Highland and nearby areas, including options like deep tissue and full body massage that are often especially beneficial for digestive issues. Here's a look at the areas of the body and nervous system where massage therapy can provide major benefits for anyone with digestive problems, plus some of the techniques that tend to be best for these needs.
One important bodily system to understand with regard to digestion is the parasympathetic nervous system. This is a division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for controlling functions like digestion, which it does in several ways - from increases in salivation to things like peristaltic activities and more. This is in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, which drives "fight or flight" and is related to stress.
During massage therapy sessions for people struggling with digestion issues, one of the key goals will be to move the body temporarily from a primary reliance on the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic system. This transition can be incredibly beneficial for digestion, which is often thrown off by chronic stress or similar factors.
For those unaware, the human digestive system is comprised of and supported by numerous muscles and pieces of fascia, or connective tissues that surround these muscles. When these areas are tight or tense, it can impede digestive functions - in some cases even leading to chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Massage therapy is an excellent option for loosening and relaxing these muscle groups and fascia areas, helping them properly support digestion once again. It can also relieve common symptoms of digestive issues like bloating or abdominal pain.
Down related lines, massage is often aimed at stimulating peristalsis, the rhythmic movement of muscles in the digestive tract that pushes food and waste through. Massage techniques like myofascial release or trigger point therapy can be especially effective at improving this peristaltic flow, helping the body digest food more efficiently and reducing issues like constipation.
Now that you have a general idea of which key bodily systems or areas play a role in digestion and can be impacted by massage, our next few sections will go over the major massage techniques often used to help address these areas.
For some of the most specific benefits to the digestive system, massage therapists will often use abdominal or stomach massages that target these muscles and fascia areas directly. This can help not only with digestion itself, but also bloating, gas buildup and other issues in this area.
This may include techniques like Swedish massage, which uses light to medium pressure and long, flowing strokes to relax muscles and improve circulation. Massage cupping is another popular option that uses suction cups to help release tension in the abdominal area and improve digestion.
While specific techniques targeting the digestive system can be highly beneficial, many patients also find relief from full body massages that address other areas of tension and stress in the body. This is because massage therapy has an overall calming effect on the nervous system, which can indirectly help with digestion by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation.
This assists directly with the move from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system, as discussed above. Massage techniques like deep tissue massage are often especially helpful for alleviating tension and stress in this manner.
Depending on your specific needs, a deep tissue massage may be the most effective option for promoting digestion. This technique uses slow, firm strokes and deep pressure to target areas of tension and pain in the body. It can help alleviate muscle knots and reduce inflammation, which are two key contributors to digestive issues.
In some cases, your massage therapist may recommend certain home touch or self-massage techniques to help maintain the benefits of your massage sessions. These might include gentle abdominal massages or using a foam roller to relieve tension in key areas like the hips and lower back. Regular practice of these techniques can help improve circulation and reduce tension in the body, which can ultimately lead to better digestion over time.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, our experienced therapists can work with you to determine the best massage techniques for your unique needs. Whether you're struggling with chronic digestive issues or have any other pain or discomfort need, we're here to help! Schedule your massage session today and start experiencing the many benefits of massage therapy, whether you're in Lehi, Orem, Saratoga Springs, Highland or any nearby area.