Indigestion can be a recurring problem, and one of the main reasons for this is unhealthy eating habits. Most people try new dishes and expand their culinary experience.
Causes of indigestion
According to healthline, stress is a major cause of indigestion. The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused stress levels to rise dramatically, and this increases the amount of acidity in the stomach and causes indigestion and heartburn. Indigestion can also result from overeating or eating too quickly.
Spicy and fatty foods may also increase your risk of developing this stomach problem. Another common cause of indigestion is lying down soon after eating and not exercising, which makes it difficult for your body to digest the food you’ve eaten. Besides, other common causes that lead to poor digestion include smoking and the side effects of some medications.
Massage can help you deal with this problem
Stomach or abdominal massage is a gentle, non-invasive treatment for indigestion. The procedure involves gently massaging the abdomen to relax the stomach muscles. This helps in stimulating digestion and relieving constipation. It is widely used to treat a variety of health problems, especially those related to the stomach.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage therapy can have a positive effect on a person’s physical and mental health.
The correct way to practice abdominal massage
Follow these steps to perform an abdominal massage on yourself:
Lie on the floor or on a yoga mat on your back.
Make sure your knees are bent and your feet are flat while doing this.
Now, put both hands on your stomach and start massaging in a circular manner.
Do this clockwise and counterclockwise.
Breathe normally as the massage continues.
You can also apply light pressure to the areas where it hurts.
Continue massaging until the abdomen feels comfortable.
You can also try to increase your water intake.
Make sure you drink plenty of water every day, up to 6 glasses a day. This can keep problems with bloating and digestion at bay.
Some precautions you can take
In general, abdominal massage is safe for most people if it is done in a gentle and safe manner, however, avoid taking massage if you have recently had abdominal surgery. Also, check with your doctor if you have any health concerns, which can be exacerbated by a stomach massage. In the meantime, make sure not to eat any heavy or spicy foods for some time before and after the massage. But drink plenty of water after the massage.