For constipation or trapped gas, lie down with your knees bent and massage your stomach clockwise with flat hands for about ten minutes. Pair it with water, fibre and a walk, which do most of the work.
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Why does massaging clockwise help?
Clockwise follows the path of the large intestine: up the right side of your stomach, across under the ribs, and down the left side. Gentle pressure in that direction can help gas move along and makes a tight, full stomach feel looser.
How do you do the routine?
- Lie on your back, knees bent, a pillow under your head.
- Start low on the right side of your stomach, near the hip bone.
- Stroke up toward the ribs, across the top of your stomach, and down the left side to the hip bone.
- Repeat that loop slowly for five minutes, pressing gently.
- Finish with small clockwise circles around your belly button for another few minutes.
Warmth helps some people relax the stomach first. A warm hand, a heat pack, or a heated massager like the ryng glide on a low setting all work.
When is the best time?
First thing in the morning, or at least an hour after a meal. Right after a big meal it can feel uncomfortable.
What else helps constipation?
Cleveland Clinic lists the basics that help most:
- Two to four extra glasses of water a day
- More fibre: fruit, vegetables, whole grains, prunes
- Regular exercise, even a daily walk
- Raising your feet on a small stool on the toilet
- Going when you feel the urge instead of holding it
When should you see a doctor?
If you see blood in your stool, are losing weight without trying, have severe pain, or the constipation lasts more than three weeks or is new for you, get it checked.
More on stomach massage
Our guide to belly massage for bloating covers the same strokes for a puffy, heavy stomach.
the ryng glide
A handheld heated massager with adjustable warmth, vibration, EMS and red light at the head.
See the ryng glide