Abdominal Massage and Women’s Health Issues

Massage Therapists are trained to do abdominal and pelvic massage – this type of massage on the area of the torso can be physiological or energetic in nature. A therapist can have a mechanical affect in the movement of blood, toxins, muscle tissue, and visceral structures physiologically, and move energies related to the Hara, kidneys (Jing), and aura. This article will address several ways abdominal massage and women’s health issues can be beneficial to a client.

Several structures in the lower female pelvis are the apparatus that allows a woman to bear another human being. The ovaries produce and release eggs that travel down the uterine (Fallopian) tubes monthly, taking a 5-day journey to attempt to attach to the tissue nest of greatly-available blood and nutrients, the endometrium lining that the uterus has prepared all month (approximately every 28 days). The eggs are most likely to be fertilized in that journey down the uterine (Fallopian) tube. If the eggs are not fertilized within a certain amount of time, hormones communicate that the nest of blood and nutrients needs to be shed in the menses and the cycle starts at the beginning again.

some conditions in Women’s Health

There are some physiological conditions that therapist and client need to be aware of when using any massage techniques that also address the female reproductive system. Several conditions that women regularly and/or naturally experience in the pelvic area and that are of concern in the area of massage therapy include: use of birth control, dysmenorrhea, spontaneous and elective abortion, endometriosis, and fibroid tumors.

Birth control pills are used to tell the brain that the body is pregnant, thereby stopping the flow of hormones that prepare the body for fertilization and pregnancy. Massage in the pelvic area is appropriate when considering this form of health affectation.

Dysmenorrhea, referred to more-commonly as a painful menstrual period, is defined by the woman’s experience of limiting activities for at least 1 day every month because of symptoms of dull aching or sharp severe lower abdominal pain. Accompanying nausea and vomiting are also signs of dysmenorrhea. It is not advisable for massage to be done on the area of localized pain within the first two days that symptoms show; however, it is advisable to use reflexive techniques and massage all other indicated areas of the body.

Spontaneous Abortion, an unintentional termination of a pregnancy, can happen in many stages of pregnancy. For a number reasons, many terminations have to do with the overall & systemic health of the mother and the ability of the egg or fetus to survive in the health of the mother’s uterus.
Elective Abortion, an intentional termination of a pregnancy, can also happen for many health-related reasons.

In either the case of spontaneous or elective abortion, the lining of the uterus is disrupted and needs time to heal. Massage in the pelvic region is not appropriate after a spontaneous or elective abortion until after bleeding has stopped and there is no sign of infection. Client and therapist should be aware of doctor recommendations for massage therapy if an abortion occurred less than 6 weeks prior to the massage session.

Endometriosis is a resultant condition of the non-exiting (in menstruation) tissue fragments of the endometrium (of the uterus) attaching to other cells and structure in the body. Circulation and implantation of the endometrial cells produces “blood blisters” or clear vesicles in early years. In later years, the implanted cells will grow over, appearing black and scarred. Massage therapy is not advised in the area of the diagnosis of endometriosis, especially during menstruation. Diagnoses have been known to displace structures in the area of endometriosis (usually in the pelvic region), so care in providing and receiving pelvic work is suggested for locally diagnosed endometriosis.

Fibroid Tumors grow in or around the uterus, mostly undetected (because of their small size) and are extremely common, occurring in up to 50% of all women¹. Symptoms of small fibroids are unrealized while in diagnosed cases of larger fibroids can reveal symptoms of mechanical pressure on other structures (including nerves) in the pelvic area and increased menstrual bleeding. Massage is suggested in pelvic areas other than the uterus if there is a diagnosis of fibroid tumors. Large fibroids can displace other structures in the pelvic area, massage is not appropriate in the area of the uterus.

tips for receiving Abdominal Massage

Here are some points to consider when going for your therapeutic massage and your therapist does pelvic work:

1. Deep work in the pelvic area is not generally practiced in massage therapy, although a few modalities address the pelvic region using deep tissue techniques. A client should always ask and the therapist should always explain what the intent of their work is deep in the pelvis.
2. On days of heavy menstrual flow, deep work in the pelvic or abdominal area is generally not advised. Many other massage therapy techniques can be used by a therapist to alleviate symptomatic experiences of pain and discomfort.
3. Let your massage therapist know if you’ve been experiencing conditions related to your health as a woman, so your therapist may best serve you and deliver the most appropriate method to improve your health and well-being.
4. Your therapist may also let you know about structures s/he feels (literally) may be abnormal or out of place. Your therapist may also refer you to a qualified health care provider in order to assist you in achieving a level of wellness or “peace of mind”. Listen and visit that doctor or qualified practitioner who can help you determine what the issue is and how to improve your overall health.
5. The pressure applied to the abdomen should be at a level that is comfortable and expected. Any level of discomfort needs to be recognized and addressed by both the client and the therapist so the therapist can respond appropriately.
6. Most of all, enjoy your pelvic massage! It increases the internal health of the abdomen, strengthening, circulating, and stimulating movement in the organs and musculature, enabling your entire body to be healthier!