Massage Therapy Glossary

Abdominal Massage/Visceral Massage

Abdominal Massage/Visceral Massage can be part of a full body treatment or a local focused treatment.  Consent for abdominal massage with a full body treatment is important and should be discussed before your treatment begins. It is also better to request an abdominal treatment before you start your massage so that the therapist can plan for its inclusion.  Swedish massaging of the abdomen is the common technique and is used for relieving chronic constipation and abdominal tension, and for improving lymphatic flow. Visceral manipulation can be traced back 200 years to its origins in Tibet.  Jean Pierre Barrall, a French Osteopath, adapted the Tibetan version into the osteopathic technique used today. The spasms, adhesions, and discomfort of the abdomen after a severe trauma can cause chronic irritation and fascial displacement.  Gentle, deep abdominal manipulation helps to reduce the blockages and restrictions of the tissues, and restores movement and energy to the organs.  Visceral massage can ease back pain, indigestion, and discomfort caused by abdominal duress.  See also Visceral Manipulation.

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