- Having trouble digesting?
- Do you suffer from bloating?
- Do you have a swollen belly?
Have you ever tried self-massage to relieve tummy aches? We’ve got 3 different ways to get rid of gas!
1. Massage in circles
The first massage technique involves gently massaging the belly in increasing circles. You can do this lying down or sitting up, with your back straight.
To do this, place the palm of your hand (or fingers) over the intestines. Work in clockwise circles, applying gentle pressure.
Start in the center and work your way up. Repeat for ten minutes or so.
By reproducing the direction of intestinal transit, this massage helps to evacuate blocked gas and relieve bloating. To be effective, this self-massage should be performed at least two hours after a meal, during the digestive process.
2. Create an arrow to make a straight line
Still with a view to following intestinal transit, you can perform a massage in a straight line. Start by placing your fingers together to form an arrow.
Position them on the tip of the breastbone, in the pit of the stomach. Apply light pressure with your fingers, and move them downwards to draw a kind of straight line to the pubic bone. Remember to breathe deeply.
Be careful not to apply pressure to the navel. You can go over or around it.
Here again, this type of massage helps to evacuate the gases responsible for bloating.
Good to know: To be effective, repeat the movements several times a day, a few hours after eating, for at least ten minutes.
3. Tighten knees against stomach
The final technique for releasing gas trapped in the abdomen is to hug the knees.
Lie on your back, keeping your head in line with your spine.
Start by bending one knee before bringing back the second. Avoid bringing both knees back at the same time, to avoid hurting your back. Bring both knees back while taking a deep breath.
Grab them with your hands and apply pressure so as to hold them firmly against your chest while exhaling deeply.