A belly massage can be a very pleasant and intimate experience. The belly holds the key to deep relaxation, both physically and emotionally. A belly massage uses oil and gentle, rotating movements. A belly massage is good for cleaning the intestines. This stimulates digestion, which in turn is good for losing weight.
Our emotions are often first perceived in our gut, and only then is there a translation to our brain so that we understand what is going on. At that moment we also produce the right hormones and neurotransmitters that ensure a physical or emotional (hopefully appropriate) reaction. It has now been scientifically proven that there is a connection between the health of our gut/intestines, and how we feel inside or how our brain functions.
Abdominal massage and breathing exercises
Deep abdominal breathing is a very good form of abdominal massage, which you can apply anywhere. With deep abdominal breathing, the diaphragm comes down. This makes the chest cavity larger and the abdominal cavity smaller. The organs are pressed down. The blood from the organs is pressed via the liver to the heart and with the exhalation fresh, oxygen-rich blood comes back to the organs. The diaphragm is our largest blood pump.
This deep abdominal breathing ensures that the intestines are constantly supplied with fresh blood, the connective tissue around the intestines is kept supple and the intestinal muscles are stimulated to contract. This kneads and transports the food through the intestines. The result: fewer abdominal complaints!
massage of the Psoas
The Psoas is one of the most important core muscles in the human body. It is also one of the deepest muscles in our body. A 40cm muscle, it connects the torso to the lower body – it attaches to the diaphragm and lower spine (TH12-L5), runs through the abdomen (in front of the kidneys and behind the intestines) and attaches to the inner hip bone (trochanter minor). Thanks to this strong psoas we can run really hard when we have to. The psoas influences our flexibility, balance, core stability, strong pelvic floor, good blood flow to the legs and abdominal organs, strength and healthy organ functioning.
With every experience of imminent danger, whether it is based on reality or happens internally, the psoas immediately tenses so that we can run away immediately. In the past, we ran away from that charging bear. In our current time, there are no bears lurking in the bushes anymore, but we still know all kinds of other bears on the road: the well-known stress situations.
The psoas responds to stress by contracting acutely, ready to take action when necessary. This muscle builds up tension. The psoas can no longer release the built-up tension and holds on to it. Or the tension is continuously held because we experience chronic pain, sadness, stress, fears and worries. That is why this muscle is also called the muscle of the soul
Question and answer
Do you want to receive such a massage but are you in doubt? Then you will find frequently asked questions here.
Can emotions be released during a massage?
It often happens that emotions are released during a massage. Releasing emotions is a natural process. Especially when energy blockages are being addressed in the body, old tension can be released and an energy flow can start. This energy flow is sometimes tingling, joy, ecstasy. But often with tears or sadness.
Especially with an (abnominal / deep tissue) abdominal massage, a lot of stored emotion and tension can be released in the form of energy packages.
How does an energy blockage arise?
This energy block can arise in various places in the body, especially around internal visceral organs. Think of the abdomen and chest area: the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, pancreas and intestines.
The energy flow is once blocked when you have to deal with worries, negative feelings or an unprocessed situation.
We are often not aware of these pent-up feelings, but a hard place may have arisen in the body. In the long run, ignoring this can lead to poor organ functioning, various abdominal disorders and visceral imbalance. So if you feel irritated or tense, an abdominal massage can help release energy blockages.
How do you deal with emotions during a belly massage?
A stomach massage requires a careful, therapeutic approach in which you feel safe and trusted, and where there is plenty of room to express emotions.
The starting point for every massage is attentive presence. By being there for you completely as a masseur, an atmosphere is created in which you can be yourself. When a place where there is a blockage is carefully released old memories and emotions often come up. In case of grief, I provide comfort and warmth. Usually this does not take longer than 1,5 minutes. Then the released emotion flows through your body like electricity and afterwards you will feel more vital, more flexible and your organs will function better again.
