The purpose of abdominal massage for constipation is to help stimulate peristalsis waves in the colon to start the stagnant fecal matter moving again.
You can do this colon massage with oil lying down or in the shower using a soap solution to slide your hand over your abdomen.
Start on the right side near your appendix. Use small circular or short movements, and move upward toward your rib cage. Apply gentle pressure at first, although you may want to increase your pressure in subsequent days.
When you reach your rib cage, massage diagonally down and to the left until you are just below your belly button.
Now massage diagonally up and to left until you are just below your outer left rib cage.
Massage straight down toward your groin until reach your leg crease.
Take 3-5 minutes to do this massage. As you massage your colon area, notice if you find areas that have a slight pain or tenderness. With areas of slight pain, you can work these areas and probably reduce the pain with daily massages. If you have deep pain, do not continue the massage. Consider consulting with a doctor, if the pain persists.
Do not do this massage without the OK of your doctor if you have undiagnosed abdominal pain or any conditions affecting abdominal organs.
Remember, the best way to prevent constipation is to eat the recommended 25 grams per day of fiber (the average American eats only half that much) and drink lots of water.
