By: Joy Stephenson-Laws, pH Labs Founder
Tummy issues. We all experience them whether they are due to fat, indigestion, heartburn, menstrual pain, bloating or constipation. But many of us never consider massage therapy as a viable option to relieve our stomach woes. Perhaps we should – especially a combination of cold and heat massages which may be highly effective.
There is actually credible evidence suggesting that abdominal massage therapy may provide relief from issues such as indigestion, bloating, gas, excess fat and constipation. Appropriate massage therapy can increase circulation, make the stomach muscles relax and reduce stress that may exacerbate these issues.
For example, a 2018 study suggested that abdominal massages may improve the gastrointestinal functions of certain patients in intensive care. “It is suggested to use abdominal massage as an adjunct therapy for improving gastrointestinal functions in intensive care patients.”
Another study in 2015 concluded that abdominal massages may be useful to stimulate “lymph return to the venous system and reduce ascites-related symptoms.”
There is even credible evidence that abdominal massages may reduce menstrual pain, bloating and constipation.
And the good news is that you can reap the benefits of abdominal massages from a fairly recent technology on the market called the Cryo T-Shock which does not rely on the bare hands of the technician to deliver the benefits. Cryo T-Shock uses a handheld device controlled by the technician to massage the stomach area using a combination of cold and hot temperatures. The changes in temperature boosts circulation and reduces various symptoms including bloating and constipation. When set at lower temperatures, this procedure may also reduce the size of the abdomen by destroying fat cells.
I frequently use this procedure to improve and enhance the circulation in my abdomen and reduce the likelihood of water retention.
While the treatment definitely feels cold (we’re talking somewhere in the neighborhood of 0 -8 degrees Celsius), it isn’t uncomfortable at all. And it certainly was not painful. In fact the wand used to deliver the therapy feels relaxing and I usually doze off for a short while during the treatment. I am usually in and out after about 35 minutes and am able to return to work, play golf and continue my day productively.
Visit Chiltonic in Encinitas and La Jolla for more information about the CryoT-Shock. You can also visit pHLabs in Sherman Oaks to get more information.