How to Massage Lateral Abdominal Muscles for Martial Artists

A strong core is vital to good martial arts, and in pursuit of such martial artists often overwork their abs and obliques. The core contains some of the largest muscles of your body, and as such is capable of taking enormous punishment. It also means however, that it is slower to repair and recover from overwork than smaller muscles. Abdominal massage, like every other massage, should be part of every serious martial artist's repertoire. It can be a wonderful asset for any warm-up routine, allowing greater flexibility, deeper stretches and a higher degree of fluidity and ease of motion. Incorporating massage into your post-workout routine or cool-down process can aid muscle recovery times, prevent muscle fatigue and stress, and significantly reduces the injury risks. Massage of the lateral abdominal muscles should be accompanied by upper and lower abdominal massage for greatest effect. Read on to learn how to massage lateral abdominal muscles for martial artists.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tiger Balm White or any other suitable muscle rub compound

1. Take a small amount (about the size of a dime) of Tiger Balm White and lightly work it into the fingertips of both hands. Beginning just inside your hips, down near where your obliques attach to the ventral abdominal aponeurosis, (this is the thick connective tissue which runs from hip to hip in a U-shape, just below your abs), work your thumbs in deep, circular motions up and back, following the curve of the hip-bone.

2. Begin with deep kneading motions, curving back and up the external obliques, towards where the latissimus dorsi attaches, down into the thoracolumbar fascia (this is located right about where you can comfortably rest your hands if you placed them behind you on the small of your back). Knead deeply, but do not strain or pull at the muscles as you do so.

3. Continue the kneading motions up and out, towards the serratus anterior (this smaller piece of muscle is located on the upper side of your ribs, a little below your armpit). Pay special attention to the bottom of the muscle, where it attaches to the external obliques (these are the large muscles on either side of your torso).

4. Take another small amount of Tiger Balm and begin working it into the external obliques in long, firm strokes. Gradually turn these strokes into kneading. Slowly increase the intensity of the kneading, and work thoroughly over the obliques in a clock-wise pattern.

5. Finish up by lightly working any excess Tiger Balm into the skin with long, smooth strokes. Be sure to go over all of the areas that you previously massaged, and pay special attention to the tissue over the ribs and hips. Use your thumbs to apply deep, circular strokes to the bottom of the external oblique, where it meets the hip bone.

Tips & Warnings

• Tiger Balm Red, Bengay and most essential oils are also suitable for massage.
• Massage as described above is not intended to replace proper medical treatment. If you experience any persistent soreness or pain for longer than a few days time, you should consult a doctor or qualified massotherapist immediately.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!