From bloating and constipation to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion, digestive discomfort can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. While dietary changes and medications are often the first line of treatment, massage therapy has emerged as a natural, holistic way to support digestive health. Regular massage not only helps relax the body but also stimulates the digestive system, improving gut function and relieving discomfort. Let’s explore how massage for digestive health can positively influence digestion and why it might be the missing piece in your wellness routine.
How digestive issues affect the body
The digestive system is closely tied to the nervous system, particularly the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s “rest and digest” response. When the body is under stress, the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the “fight or flight” response) becomes dominant, slowing down digestion and leading to issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. Chronic stress can cause the digestive muscles to tighten, reducing motility (the movement of food through the digestive tract) and impairing nutrient absorption.
Poor digestion can also stem from muscle tension in the abdominal area, inflammation, and poor circulation. When digestive muscles and surrounding tissues are tight or inflamed, they can disrupt the natural flow of digestion, leading to discomfort and sluggish bowel movements. This is where massage therapy comes in—by targeting the nervous system, improving circulation, and releasing muscular tension, massage can help restore balance to the digestive process.
How massage therapy supports digestion
Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system
Massage therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the body from “fight or flight” mode into “rest and digest” mode. This relaxation response encourages the digestive organs to function more efficiently, increasing gastric motility (the movement of food through the digestive tract) and promoting better absorption of nutrients.
When the body is relaxed, blood flow to the digestive organs increases, which enhances the production of digestive enzymes and improves the breakdown of food. This can reduce symptoms like indigestion, bloating, and acid reflux.
Improves gut motility and reduces constipation
Abdominal massage, in particular, has been shown to improve gut motility and reduce constipation. Gentle pressure applied in a clockwise motion (following the natural path of the intestines) helps to stimulate peristalsis—the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
Studies have found that abdominal massage increases bowel movement frequency and reduces the need for laxatives in people with chronic constipation. By encouraging the natural movement of waste through the intestines, massage helps to prevent buildup and reduce discomfort.
Reduces bloating and gas
Massage therapy helps relieve bloating and gas by improving lymphatic drainage and circulation in the abdominal area. The lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the body, and when it becomes sluggish, excess gas and fluid retention can build up in the digestive tract.
By promoting lymphatic flow, massage helps the body eliminate excess waste more efficiently, reducing pressure and discomfort in the abdomen. The release of muscular tension in the diaphragm and abdominal wall also allows gas to move through the intestines more easily.
Relieves stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are major contributors to digestive issues, especially conditions like IBS and acid reflux. Massage therapy lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increases the release of serotonin and dopamine, which promote relaxation and emotional balance.
When stress is reduced, the digestive system functions more smoothly. The gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis, meaning that calming the mind has a direct effect on calming the digestive tract. This is particularly beneficial for people with stress-induced digestive issues like IBS or functional dyspepsia.
Enhances Liver and Gallbladder Function
Massage also supports the liver and gallbladder, which play key roles in digestion by processing fats and detoxifying the body. Techniques that target the upper abdomen can stimulate these organs, improving the flow of bile (which helps break down fats) and enhancing overall digestive efficiency. Improved liver and gallbladder function can lead to better fat metabolism, reduced bloating, and improved nutrient absorption.
Best types of massage for digestive health
While any type of massage that reduces stress can positively impact digestion, some techniques are particularly effective:
- Abdominal massage – Directly targets the digestive organs, improving motility and relieving constipation.
- Swedish massage – Promotes overall relaxation and improves circulation, supporting digestive function.
- Deep tissue massage – Releases muscle tension in the back and abdomen, which can indirectly relieve digestive discomfort.
- Lymphatic drainage massage – Stimulates the lymphatic system, reducing bloating and improving detoxification.
- Reflexology – Targets pressure points in the feet and hands that correspond to the digestive organs, improving gut function.
Incorporating massage into your wellness routine
For best results, consider incorporating massage therapy into your weekly or bi-weekly self-care routine. If you suffer from chronic digestive issues, an abdominal massage two to three times a week can significantly improve gut motility and reduce discomfort. Even a general relaxation massage once a month can help regulate the nervous system and improve overall digestive health.
At home, you can also try self-massage techniques. Using gentle, circular motions in a clockwise direction over your abdomen (following the natural path of digestion) for 5–10 minutes can help relieve bloating and encourage bowel movements.
Book a massage!
Experience the benefits of massage for digestive health! Book a session with us today and discover the difference massage therapy can make. We offer personalized sessions ranging from 30 to 120 minutes, with techniques tailored to your needs. Our experienced therapists are here to help!