This form of massage is beneficial in constipation. It stimulates the peristalsis of the small intestines, tones up the muscles of the abdomen walls and mechanically eliminates the contents of both large and small intestines. Abdominal massage should not be done in general, femoral,
inguinal and umbilical hernia, inflammation of the uterus, bladder, ovaries and fallopian tubes, kidney stones, bladder or gall bladder, ulcers of the stomach and intestines, and pregnancy.
Abdominal massage should not be done after a heavy meal, but after two hours or so. The
bladder should be emptied before the massage. The patient is made to lie on his back with his
knees drawn up. This enable the abdomen wall to relax. The masseur should stand at the right
side of the patient and use his finger tips for friction round the umbilical region from right to left.
He should likewise alternatively knead the walls and roll with both hands, making deep and firm
pressure. He should knead with the hand and finger tips and keep clear of any wound or tender
places. He should later take up massaging of the larger intestines.
The manipulation of the large intestine should begin on the right side. Keep it going upwards and
across the transverse colon and move right down on the left side to the signoid flexure and
rectum. Circular kneading should be done with the help of the three middle fingers. At the same
time press into the contents of the abdomen, following the course of the larger colon with a
crawling motion. Keep kneading by means of a few circular movements in one spot with the help
of finger tips. Keep moving the fingers a little further along. Knead repeatedly. Use knuckles of
the hand to make deep pressure along the large colon, moving the hands along after each
pressure.
Once the kneading of the abdomen isover, follow up by tapotement with both hands cupped or
use the knuckles of the hand. Vibration may also be employed. The patient could also be asked
to do some gymnastic exercises for strengthening the walls of the abdomen. Since blood
pressure increases during abdominal manipulation, patients with hypertension should avoid
abdominal massage. Massage should also be avoided in cases where there has been recent
bleeding in the lungs, the stomach or the brain.
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