When we think of massage we typically don’t think, “belly massage.” The back, booty, and other areas of our bodies tend to get the most TLC, especially from massage therapists. But massaging your belly can help you de-stress, and can get your body systems, such as your circulatory, digestive, and metabolic functions, moving at a faster pace.
Belly massage benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Stress relief
- Relaxation
- Improved digestive function
- Improved blood flow
Taking 5 minutes or less to massage your belly can help alleviate digestive troubles such as gas, constipation, or bloating, by helping your colon move waste through your system, and can even strengthen your underlying muscle tissue. Give yourself a belly massage morning and evening, and experts say you are bound to see results in as little as a week.
How to Give Yourself a Belly Massage
Step 1: Lie on your back on a firm surface, either a firm bed or a mat on the floor.
Step 2: Rub your hands together to warm them up.
Step 3: Skin-to-skin contact is the most therapeutic. Place your hands on your bare belly. Gently but firmly rub in clockwise circles out from the navel. You can also start at the lower right section of your abdominals and rub clockwise around and in toward your navel. Aim for 40-50 rotations each session. Get your mind involved and really focus on the sensations and the warmth you are creating.