Abdominal Massage Routine

The abdominal massage routine can be an important one for you to know, especially for clients who suffer from chronic constipation. Some clients may be ashamed or embarrassed to let you know about this problem. They will be surprised to find out that you can help them out with a few simple massage strokes.

Start out by lightly stroking (effleurage) the abdomen in a clockwise motion three to four times.

Then knead (petrissage) the abdomen in a clockwise motion three to four times. To do this, begin at the lower right of the abdomen, moving up the right side to the ribcage, moving across the abdomen below the rib cage, and then down the left side of the abdomen and across the bottom, returning to your starting point.

Next, apply circular friction over the same path you traveled for the petrissage.

Vibration is used next. Start in the center of the abdomen and use small digital circle vibration. As you do this, move your fingers out in a spiral all the way to the outward parts of the abdomen.

For fine vibration, place your palms together and stiffen your wrists, hands, and fingers. Place your third, fourth, and fifth fingers on the abdomen, beginning at the lower right of the abdomen and moving in a path as in the petrissage mentioned above. This must be done in a clockwise path. This will stimulate peristalsis (digestion and elimination).

Diffused tapotement is also used. Place one hand flat on the abdomen and strike the flat hand with your other hand in a loose fist. Move your flat hand in a circular pattern. So you will do strike, move, strike, move...

The client may pass some gas during the abdominal massage routine so it is a good idea to let the client know beforehand so he or she is not embarrassed when it happens. Let the client know that it is okay for this to happen and that every client who gets abdominal massage passes gas.

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