Techniques of Abdominal Massage

Abdominal massage is a highly specialized form of massage therapy as it focuses on direct application of pressure on the internal organs located inside the abdominal cavity.



This gentle pressure stimulates the working of the internal organs and promotes their healthy functioning.

Great care has to be exercised when carrying out abdominal massage because it has great potential for harm if not carried out properly. It should only be attempted by professionals who are well versed in abdominal massage techniques.

During a typical session of abdominal massage, the patient is made to lie down on his or her back with knees drawn up. This posture helps to relax the abdominal wall.



The therapist stands at one side of the patient and begins warming the underlying abdominal area by employing gentle strokes with the finger tips. These strokes follow a well defined circular pattern around the colon, and help promote efficient bowel function. The therapist also ensures that these strokes are timed with the patient’s breathing so as to stimulate the diaphragm.



Warm castor oil or other similar massage oils are used as lubrication to aid the massage.

Once the process of kneading the abdomen in circular strokes is over, the therapist will lightly massage the abdominal walls with cupped hands or the knuckles of the hands. The use of mechanical vibration may also be employed. Once the massage session is over, the patient may be asked to do some gentle exercises to further strengthen the abdominal walls and increase the efficacy of the treatment.

The abdominal massage techniques used by a therapist will also be based on the type of abdominal massage being carried out. Although, most traditional forms of abdominal massage will follow the procedure described above, there are specialized techniques such as Maya Abdominal Massage and Chi Nei Tsang that may follow a slightly different method.

• Maya Abdominal Massage

Maya abdominal massage is based on the massage techniques of the ancient Mayans. It focuses more on the reproductive organs inside the abdomen, and is especially beneficial for women. In this abdominal massage technique, the therapist focuses massage strokes around the uterus.

• Chi Nei Tsang

Chi Nei Tsang is an abdominal massage technique that was developed in China. It aims to ease the process of digestion and eliminate toxins from the body. It aims to do this by ensuring a free flow of ‘Chi’, or energy, throughout the body.