I’ve had digestive issues, quite literally, since I was born. I’ve been informed that I had terrible colic as a child, and while after the colic subsided I didn’t have any issues for a few years, they undeniably returned once I was about 16.
The stomach problems I began encountering when I was a teenager were, I believe, the result of recovering from an eating disorder; once I was in recovery and began to eat ‘normally’ again, I started having issues almost immediately. I couldn’t tell you how many doctors and specialists I’ve seen about my digestive issues, not to mention the number of tests and procedures I’ve tried, and alas, the only answer I received was that I have a severe case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
In other words, even the doctors can’t figure out my guts.
My mom was telling me about how she read an article in a magazine discussing how massage therapy can alleviate digestive problems, so I wanted to look into the matter to see what I could discover. This information comes from hmwcleveland.com.
“The gastrointestinal system (AKA the digestive system) is responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients from the food that you put into your body. The digestive system consists of a number of parts that work together with your abdominal and intestinal muscles. Research has shown that massage may be able to help your digestive system in the following ways:
- Releasing tension in abdominal muscles
- Releasing tension in intestinal muscles
- Reducing bloating, gas, and cramps
- Relieving indigestion
- Improving digestion by stimulating peristalsis (a series of contractions that happen within the digestive tract)
- Releasing digestive enzymes
- Relieving constipation
- Assisting with waste elimination
- Stimulating liver and kidney activity
- Alleviate menstrual pain and cramping
- Aid in weight loss,” the web page explains.
I’ve been contemplating dabbling in massage therapy for other issues I have, but after reading this information, I might have to bite the bullet and finally give it a shot.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
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