As a learning disability nurse, Helen administered abdominal massage to adults and children with learning disabilities in the NHS for many years with effective results. Abdominal massage can be a great non-invasive alternative approach to colonic therapy.

Abdominal massage targets the large intestine area gently manipulating the abdomen to ease constipation symptoms. It can encourage poo to move through the bowel. The massage is usually carried out in a clockwise pattern, following the path of the bowel, and normally takes roughly 20 minutes. It can:

• Help relax your stomach muscles that in turn can help digestion and relieve constipation

• Help stool move through the bowel more quickly

• Reduce trapped wind and cramping, which may ease tummy pain

• Make stools softer and easier to pass

Research highlights that abdominal massage can help people poo more often, makes it easier to go, improves stool consistency, and improves quality of life for people with constipation. It is used widely in the NHS with specific client groups to reduce constipation.

References: https://ijtmb.org/index.php/ijtmb/article/view/1137

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023053069






This massage is not suitable for anyone with the following:

• Unstable spinal injuries

• Pregnancy

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Tummy (abdominal) wounds which are less than 6 weeks old

• A history of malignant bowel obstruction or abdominal growth