By Setareh Kiumarsi
Did you know that circular, clockwise abdominal massage significantly aids the digestion process? But why is that?
When we swallow food, it begins a journey! First, the food travels from the throat to the esophagus, then to the stomach, then into the small intestine, then the large intestine, and finally, what’s left gets excreted from the body. At each of these stations, a series of peristaltic (wave-like) movements occur.
These wave-like motions rotate the food, break it down, digest it, and move it downward to the next station. The direction of these movements is circular and clockwise!
But as you may know, many people tend to overeat and consume more than their stomachs can handle! The poor digestive tract can only manage to digest part of this food— the rest sits there like a rock, unmoving in the gut. This unpleasant situation comes with symptoms:
You lose your appetite, your stomach feels like a stone, you burp and taste or smell the meal you ate hours ago… you experience abdominal pain, bloating, or acid reflux!
And This Is Where Abdominal Massage Comes to the Rescue
By massaging your abdomen in a clockwise, circular motion, you physically stimulate the movement of food through the digestive tract and reactivate the digestion process— in a highly effective way!
So whenever you remember during the day (the more often the better, especially within 3 to 5 hours after eating), massage your abdomen with a suitable oil blend.
Don’t forget to perform abdominal breathing at the same time (to learn about this breathing, refer to the Correct Breathing Technique article in the General Ayurveda Teachings section).
What’s the Right Oil for Abdominal Massage?
- A 1:1 mix of coconut oil with sweet almond oil or castor oil
- Or use black seed oil or mustard oil
(Mustard oil is suitable if your body type is cold and your metabolism is very slow.)
If oil massage is difficult or you don’t have access to oil, even doing this massage over your clothes can help support digestion.
Start around your navel. Imagine a clock face on your belly! Begin in the direction of the clock’s hands (clockwise) using your right hand to draw a small circle. Gradually increase the size of the circle until you’ve massaged the entire abdominal area.
And one more important thing…
Did you know this massage is incredibly effective for issues like bloating, stomach pain, and constipation?
Definitely give it a try!
Please be sure to credit the author, Setareh Kiumarsi, when sharing or republishing this article, which was written with love and the hope of well-being for all.
