The Forgotten Core
Revisiting Abdominal Massage BY MARYBETTS SINCLAIR
H 72 massage & bodywork july/august 2009
istorically, Swedish massage included a good deal of attention to the abdomen. Abdominal effl eurage, petrissage, kneading, vibration, and tapotement were thought to reduce muscle tension, improve local circulation, soothe indigestion, stimulate the secretion of stomach acid, increase the appetite, stimulate peristalsis, relieve constipation, and lower high blood pressure.1, 2
Today, however, many MTs devote
their efforts to treating the back, neck, and other areas of high tension, while unfortunately giving little or no attention to the abdomen.
