Massage for constipation: Colon and abdominal massage

Jun 13, 2023

Massage can be a home remedy for constipation relief. It involves applying gentle pressure, stroking, kneading and other techniques on the muscles and organs involved in passing waste.

Constipation affects around 16 out of 100 adults in the United States. While there is no conclusive proof that massage works for constipation, some evidence suggests it may provide relief.

Massage is not generally dangerous and could provide relief and improve well-being, regardless of whether it helps with constipation, so it may be worth trying.

This article explores which massage techniques may relieve constipation and how to perform them.

Abdominal massage may help with easing constipation. Small studies support the use of massage therapy to help with this condition. Below are various types of massage and their effects on constipation relief.

Some research suggests that abdominal massage may help relieve constipation symptoms. Though most studies on the topic are small, the evidence is generally positive.

According to a 2020 study involving 37 participants, a device that simulates manual massage of the abdomen is effective in treating slow-transit constipation. This happens when the colon is not moving waste through the large intestine quickly enough.

Another 2020 study compared court-type Thai traditional massage with Senokot, a laxative product. In this form of Thai massage, the practitioner uses only the fingers, thumbs, and palms. The study split 40 participants with constipation into two groups, to receive either regular Thai massage or laxatives. Both the Thai massage and laxative groups experienced constipation relief, an increase in bowel movements, and complete emptying of bowels. Researchers suggested massage was a more effective method of relieving constipation, as it resulted in more solid, regular stools than the laxative.

According to a 2015 study involving 29 people with constipation, abdominal massage effectively increases bowel movements. According to the study, a particular massage technique called tensegrity massage may be more effective for relieving constipation than classical abdominal massage.

A 2018 study looked at the effects of abdominal massage on 191 people with multiple sclerosis who experienced constipation and fecal incontinence. The study found that abdominal massage led to slight improvements in bowel movement frequency and emptying of bowels. Participants also reported feeling better.

People can try the following abdominal massage to help relieve constipation, as outlined in a 2011 Nursing Times review and reproduced by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. The four types of movement are stroking, effleurage, kneading, and vibration. These strokes encourage the movement of stool through the colon and into the rectum.

The person should lie down with a pillow under the knees. Apply massage oil over the abdomen and follow these steps:

Ideally, people can aim to do the massage around the time they might usually have a bowel movement, in the morning, or when they are able to sit or lie down. This may help reeducate the body to move stools naturally. People may notice an improvement within 4 weeks of using this abdominal massage, based on a summary of the technique in the Nursing Times article.

According to anecdotal sources, massage practitioners claim colon massage is a deep abdominal technique to stimulate the organs into releasing gas and pressure.

A 2020 study reports daily massage that targets the colon can help treat chronic constipation. The study looked at the effects of a massage device that worked in a similar way to a manual colon massage.

The study followed 92 participants with chronic constipation over the course of 9 weeks. Each participant used the colon massage device for 20 minutes per day for 4 weeks.

During the treatment period, there was a significant increase in bowel movements, improved stool consistency, and reduced use of laxatives and suppositories.

Following treatment, there was an improvement in symptoms of constipation, including bloating, abdominal pain, and incomplete bowel movements. Participants also reported a significant improvement in quality of life and overall satisfaction.

People can carry out the following massage 20 minutes before they are likely to have a bowel movement. Use a flat hand to make a sweeping stroke, applying moderate pressure. The massage follows the path of the colon and will take around 5–7 minutes to complete:

Constipation occurs when a person has trouble passing stools. Symptoms can vary between people but may include:

Massaging other areas of the body may also help with constipation. The following are some of these techniques, along with any supporting evidence.

In a 2020 study, researchers looked at the effects of foot reflexology massage on constipation in 60 older adults.

Reflexology is a massage technique that targets reflex points in the body to stimulate the nervous system, sending messages to glands and organs in other parts of the body. Reflexology can help stimulate or calm certain areas of the body, helping to bring systems into balance.

The researchers divided participants into a reflexology massage group and a control group who received foot massage without pressure. Participants received a 30-minute massage three times a week for 1 month. Researchers found that reflexology increased the emptying of bowels and reduced constipation severity.

People may want to contact a reflexologist for a foot massage to relieve constipation. If a person wants to try foot reflexology at home, anecdotal sources suggest the following method:

Learn more about foot massage techniques and benefits.

There are several other home remedies to ease constipation alongside or instead of massage therapy, such as:

A person may not need medical attention if constipation resolves within a few weeks of trying home remedies, massage, or dietary changes.

Find more home remedies for constipation here.

A person may need to contact a healthcare professional if constipation and its symptoms affect their daily life or if they have concerns about the condition.

People will need to contact a doctor straight away for constipation alongside any of the following:

Constipation is a common issue that often resolves with self-care, diet modifications, and over-the-counter osmotic laxatives.

Massage techniques may help alleviate constipation, but they may not work for everyone. If symptoms do not subside, a person can talk with their doctor about treatment options.

Massage therapy may work to help a person with constipation find relief. Research so far involves small studies that may not reflect how effective the therapy is in a larger population.

People interested in massage therapy for constipation can perform these techniques with minimal risk or consult a massage therapist. People can talk with a doctor to explore the best methods in avoiding persistent constipation or its complications.