How to Massage the Stomach After a Body Wrap Removal

Wraps are very popular among massage clients. They are often done in spas, but can be incorporated into small massage practices. The client is encouraged to sweat during a body wrap. This pushes toxins out of the body. It is good to follow a wrap with a massage to further encourage the removal of toxins from the body. Many massage therapist neglect the abdominal area. Massaging the stomach aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and encourages the release of toxins.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• massage lotion or oil
• a partner
• towels for draping
• a comfortable place for your partner to lay

1. Have your partner remove his shirt and lay down on his back. If you are working on a woman let her cover her chest with a towel. You will need to work relatively low on the stomach so have your partner pull his pants down around his hips to expose more of the stomach region. Drape a towel over his pants to prevent them from getting stained with lotion.

2. Work from your partner's right side. This will make it easier for you to massage him following the direction of the colon. It is important that you work in the direction of the colon. This encourages good digestion.

3. Start at the top of the stomach with your hand on the side closes to you. Effleurage across the stomach, under the ribcage and just above the bellybutton. The stroke will be moving away from you.

4. Keeping contact with the stomach bring the stroke down along the side of the bellybutton.

5. Then bring the stroke back across the stomach below the bellybutton.

6. Now bring the stroke up the other side of the stomach so your hand is back where it started.

7. Repeat this stroke a few times working a little bit deeper each time.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use circular friction to follow the path of the colon in a stomach massage.
• Always listen to your partner's feedback.
• Make sure you aren't straining during the massage.
• You can increase pressure some as the tissue warms up but keep in mind that you are massage over organs and shouldn't work too deep without proper training.