Massage Techniques For Constipation Relief - Healthline

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How to Massage for Constipation Relief

Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N. — Written by Emily Cronkleton — Updated on March 21, 2023

Massage relief
Abdominal massage
Colon massage
Other helpful massages
Additional tips
See a doctor
Outlook

You may be constipated if your bowel movements are difficult or happen less than 3 times per week. You can treat most mild cases of constipation with lifestyle changes, as well as different types of massages.

If your bowel movements become less frequent (fewer than three times per week) or are difficult to pass, you may be experiencing constipation. This decrease in bowel movements can last for several weeks or longer. Sometimes your stools can be hard and dry.

Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in the United States. Approximately 16 out of every 100 American adults experience symptoms of constipation, estimates the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Can massages provide relief?

Regular massages can relieve constipation by helping you release gas and waste products. They may also help treat any underlying or accompanying conditions. For example, regular massage can reduce stress and in turn reduce pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Abdominal massages are thought to be especially beneficial for constipation, but you may also find other types of massage help, too.

You can use castor, argan, or coconut oil for these massages. Or experiment with these essential oils for added benefit.

Abdominal massage for constipation relief

Research shows abdominal massage can be effective in treating chronic constipation. Studies have found it can:

increase the frequency of bowel movements
decrease colonic transit time
relieve pain and discomfort

Abdominal massage has also been shown to stimulate the muscle contractions that help pass a bowel movement in people with postsurgical ileus. This is a temporary lack of movement of the intestines that can lead to an intestinal obstruction.

Here’s how to massage your abdomen:

Lie on your back and use both hands to put gentle pressure on your abdomen.
Start at the right lower side of your abdomen. Slowly make circles in a clockwise direction using gentle pressure.
Then, use the palm of your right hand to apply gentle pressure to the inside of your hip bone.
Release and apply pressure to the right side, underneath the center of your ribs, and the left side.
Switch to your left hand to apply pressure to the inside of your left hip bone.
Use your fingertips on both hands to press into your abdomen and pull up.
Again, start in the bottom right and move clockwise.

You can repeat any of these steps multiple times, but be careful not to overdo it.

Colon massage for constipation relief

Massages for the colon are sometimes referred to as deep abdominal massage or internal organ massage. Massage practitioners claim that colon massages can be used to:

remove gas, blockages, and waste
reduce abdominal fluid
improve overall digestive health

However, there’s currently no evidence to prove these claims. If you want to try it, here’s how to perform a colon massage:

Sit or lie down with your knees bent so your torso is loose and your belly is soft.
Use your fingertips, knuckles, or the heel of your hand to stroke or apply pressure to your belly.
Massage in the horseshoe shape of your colon.
Start in the lower right corner of your abdominals and move up.
Then massage under the ribs and over to the left, then down the left side, and then into the center.
You can stop and focus on any part that needs extra attention.

Other types of massage for constipation relief

There are several other massage options you can use to treat constipation. Massages that focus on other parts of the body may be used alone or combined with other types of massages. This allows for some variety as you check out which options best suit you.

Foot massages (reflexology)

Foot massages, also known as reflexology, may be used to treat constipation.

Research from 2003 found that children with constipation showed symptom improvements after receiving reflexology. The children had six 30-minute sessions over the course of six weeks. The treatment also helped with encopresis, also called fecal soiling.

To do this:

Use your thumb to massage the middle of your right heel, working your way over to the outside edge.
Then move upward toward the middle of your foot.
Massage all the way across the middle of the right foot, then cross over to the left foot. Massage over to the outer edge.
Then massage down along the edge and move inward to the center of the left heel.
Finish by massaging over to the inside of the left foot.

Back massage

Having a back or full-body massage may help relax the entire body. Full-body massages are helpful in improving digestion, relieving stress, and reducing muscle tension. All of these may be beneficial in treating constipation.

You’ll need to have a back massage by a massage therapist or your partner.

Perineal massage

A 2015 study found that perineal self-acupressure paired with standard care was more effective than standard care alone in treating constipation. After doing the massage for four weeks, study participants showed improvements in:

bowel function and health
well-being
constipation-related quality of life

To do this:

Use your first two fingers to press your perineal skin. It’s the area between the anus and either vagina or scrotum.
Push on the skin in the direction of your anus.
Continue pushing in pulses of 3 to 5 seconds each.
You may want to do this massage when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.

In babies

In babies, tummy massages can be used to:

treat constipation
promote relaxation
reduce stress

Massages can also deepen the bond between you and your baby.

To do this, gently massage your baby’s stomach and lower abdomen in a clockwise direction. Do this a few times throughout the day.

Wait at least 45 minutes after feeding before massaging your baby. If your baby has any underlying conditions, talk to their doctor before trying infant massage.

See a doctor if your child:

has stomach or rectal pain that lasts more than one hour
is bleeding from the anus
has constipation that lasts more than one week
has signs of illness, such as vomiting and weakness

In pregnancy

You can have a gentle abdominal massage for constipation while you’re pregnant during the second and third trimesters. Make sure to use soft movements. You can have your partner or a professional perform the massage, or you can do it yourself.

Avoid abdominal massage during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Additional tips for relieving constipation

You can make lifestyle changes to prevent future constipation. Here are some tips:

Drink plenty of water and caffeine-free fluids throughout the day.
Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
Include high-fiber foods in your diet, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
Stay active and exercise regularly. Try to walk, cycle, or swim a few times per week.
Take time for stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, yoga, or listening to binaural beats.

When to see a doctor

Going more than three days without a bowel movement isn’t considered healthy. If this happens every now and again, it’s usually not a cause for concern.

But see a doctor if you have:

severe stomach pain
frequent constipation
constipation that lasts more than two weeks

You should also see a doctor if you:

alternate between having diarrhea and constipation
have sudden weight loss
notice blood in your stools

Your doctor may prescribe medications or advise you to stop taking certain medications that can cause constipation.

More severe conditions will require a procedure to clear the colon, therapy to retrain the muscles, or surgery.

The outlook

You can treat most mild cases of constipation by making lifestyle changes. Drink plenty of water, exercise often, and increase your fiber intake. You may want to continue having regular massages to prevent constipation in the future.

Keep an eye on your bowel movements so you notice constipation as soon as it starts. You might also try keeping a food diary so you can see how your diet affects your bowel movements.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Abbott R, et al. (2015). Effect of perinealself-acupressure on constipation: A randomized controlled trial. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-014-3084-6
Bishop E, et al. (2003). Reflexology in the managementof encopresis and chronic constipation. DOI:https://journals.rcni.com/doi/abs/10.7748/paed2003.04.15.3.20.c843
Constipation. (2018).http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Introduction.(n.d.).https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology_hepatology/_pdfs/small_large_intestine/irritable_bowel_byndrome_IBS.pdf
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Massage: Get in touchwith its many benefits.https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Constipation.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Infantmassage: Understand this soothing therapy.https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-massage/art-20047151
O’Neill T. (2014). Abdominal self massage.http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/MBCP/AbdominalSelfmassage.pdf
Should your child see a doctor? Constipation.(2018).http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/symptom-index/constipation/
Sinclair M. (2011). The use of abdominalmassage to treat chronic constipation. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2010.07.007

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Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N. — Written by Emily Cronkleton — Updated on March 21, 2023

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