Abdominal Massage

The large intestine starts at the right hip, goes up, across the abdomen, and down to your left hip which is where it becomes your rectum. Applying gentle pressure along the large intestine helps things move through and helps you empty💩. I learned to start this at the left hip so you can clear out the area that empties FIRST and then move towards the right, but in reality I don’t think it actually matters.

So without further ado- how to perform the “I Love U” abdominal massage…

Start at the bottom left of your abdomen, by your hip. Apply mild pressure. Make 3-5 small circles in each area. Slowly move up (still making gentle circles) toward the ribcage. Then “scoop” down toward the hip as if drawing the letter “I”. Then perform the same circles from the left hip up toward the ribs and across to the right side of your rib cage, to form an “L”. Then “scoop”, backtracking, toward the left hip again, making an “L”. Next perform the same thing from the left hip, up to the ribs, across the abdomen, and then down to the right hip, making a “U”. Lastly, “scoop” backtracking, making a “U”.

I. L. U.

Here’s a video explanation of it.

This is helpful when you almost have to go to the bathroom but can’t quite get things moving.

This video is a sped up and shortened version and when I do this to patients (or myself) I typically spend 5-10 minutes doing this.

Have you learned this before? Ever tried it? Any questions?