Chances are that at some point you have been uncomfortable due to the fact that you couldn’t pass a bowel movement.Most people when faced with the problem of constipation run to the drugstore for laxatives without knowing any alternatives. Would you be surprised to find out that massage could be extremely beneficial for treating your constipation?

How? Why?

A gentle massage session designed especially for you and your needs can encourage blood to flow to your intestines, and can help to stimulate your nervous system, telling it to wake up, and do the job that it is designed to do. If traditional therapies are not working as well as you like, or if you are simply interested in trying a new approach, maybe massage by a trained professional is the way for you.Some of the reasons that constipation may be occurring are:

*Poor diet

*Sedentary lifestyle

*Trying to ‘hold it in’

*Stress

*Poor posture

*Poor muscle control

*Depression

*Side effects of medication

*Post surgery

*Postpartum

*Obstructions

*Hypothyroidism, Hypercalcemia, and Diabetes

Prevention is the key.

However, I am sure that you would much rather not even be constipated in the first place.

Here are some ideas to help you prevent constipation before it begins.

1. Make sure that you drink 8 glasses of water a day (if you drink coffee or other caffeine filled beverages, add 1 glass of water for every cup of the other beverage.)

2. Go for a daily walk after you eat, this helps to keep your abdomen in motion, and is beneficial for keeping you regular.

3. Sit and stand up straight, this gives the muscles in your abdomen enough room to do their job properly.

4. Learn how to do some deep diaphragmatic breathing (your massage practitioner can help you learn to do this). Your diaphragm sits above your intestines, and you will be giving your insides a massage when you do this. Also, it is a great stress reliever.

5. Get some fibre in your diet. Some good sources of fibre are bran and psyllium. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables has also been shown to be helpful in preventing constipation.

6. If you believe that you are becoming constipated, place a stool in front of the toilet, and put your feet upon it. Having your hips flexed, will help you to bear down while having your bowel movement.

Things to watch out for.

If you notice these symptoms, consult your physician.

*Frequent bloody and loose stools

*Nausea

*Vomiting

*Absent defecation with leakage of stool

*An absence of feeling around your anus

If you are experiencing constipation consult your massage practitioner or physician.