Better digestion and abdominal pain relief with massage and essential oils

Massages are part of the basic arsenal of any masseur to fight against digestive disorders, in particular constipation. But, associated by specific essential oils, they solve a much wider range of problems, from nausea to slow digestion, not to mention bloating or colitis. This is because the digestive organs are located just under the skin of the abdomen, within reach so to speak! Aromatic massages relieve pain and discomfort almost instantly, while rousing sluggish digestive tubes. It also relaxes abdomens frozen by stress...

Which essential oils to use to relieve stomach ache?

Who has never complained of a "stomach ache"? Though a very common affliction, the causes of abdominal pain are numerous and range from peritonitis to simple nervousness. While awaiting a diagnosis, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory oils will always be of great help.

How to soothe the pain of Colitis/Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

When colitis becomes chronic (lasting more than six months, for more than three days a month), it is called irritable bowel syndrome. It affects 5% to 10% of the population, the majority of whom are women.

For the massage:

Recommended essential oils: tarragon, marjoram, roman chamomile, noble laurel, ginger.
Recommended vegetable oils: sweet almond, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel, macadamia.
The physio’s advice
Spasmodic stomach pains, whether of microbial origin or not, must be treated with the help of a doctor. Especially as they are often accompanied by disturbing transit problems. But there is nothing to stop you from relieving the discomfort by stimulating the appropriate reflex points: in the case of functional (i.e. non-organic) colitis, which is often punctuated by periods of stress, pressing these points regularly can help in spacing out the attacks.
Massage each of the two reflex points for 2 minutes, twice a week. A little more if you are in a "difficult" period.

What should I do in case of constipation?

This slowing down of the intestinal transit is manifested by difficulties in bowel movement. A natural remedy is better tolerated and more effective than chemical purgatives.

For the massage:

Recommended essential oils: dill, bergamot, fresh ginger, clove, tarragon
Recommended vegetable oils: sweet almond, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel, macadamia or jojoba

How to ease digestion?

Difficult digestion, or dyspepsia, is a chronic condition that takes two distinct forms: pain occurring with delay in the form of heartburn, cramps or acid reflux, or a feeling of laborious and slow digestion occurring immediately after a meal with non-acidic discharge.
Indigestion is characterised by feelings of a heavy stomach, headache and nausea after a heavy meal or the day after a party, sometimes with the addition of heartburn and cramps.
Plants that accelerate or facilitate digestion have been known since ancient times: dill, basil, cardamom, lemon, coriander, cumin, tarragon, ginger, peppermint, fennel and rosemary, among others, have been used successfully.
Discover all our recipes to help digestion and make it quicker.

Occasionally
Massage the lower abdomen 4 times a day with a mixture of 3 drops of camphor rosemary essential oil diluted in 4 drops of neutral vegetable oil, sweet almond, macadamia or hazelnut oil. It can be replaced by 1,8-cineole rosemary from Morocco).

Digestion/Flatulence/Nausea
From the age of 12, massage the stomach with 3 drops of fresh ginger essential oil mixed with 8 drops of sweet almond vegetable oil.

Digestive massage

Massage the abdomen in large and slow circular movements with the palm of the hand, clockwise, with 2 or 3 drops of tarragon or peppermint essential oil mixed with 3 drops of vegetable oil, once or twice a day, for the duration of the symptoms. You can also mix 1 drop of basil and peppermint essential oil in 10 drops of sweet almond vegetable oil. For adults only.

How to relieve abdominal pain?

Do you have a "stomach ache" but you don't know the cause yet? Essential oils or a good massage can relieve you and reduce the pain until a health professional gives you a diagnosis.

For the massage
5 drops of basil EO, 5 drops of ylang-ylang EO, 10 drops of neutral vegetable oil. Mix the oils and massage the stomach. Repeat once a day, for several days if necessary.

What to do about heartburn?

Heartburn is characterised by a burning sensation in the stomach area with or without acidic stomach fluid reflux into the oesophagus, sometimes even into the pharynx. This reflux causes a burning sensation behind the breastbone.
Stomach cramps, relieving spasms
Dilute 2 drops of tarragon essential oil with 2 drops of neutral vegetable oil or macadamia oil and massage the abdomen twice a day for five days. (Not suitable for children under the age of 7).

How to avoid bloating?

Bloating is the sensation of having gas in the digestive tract. An essential oil can give you relief very quickly.

For the massage:

Recommended essential oils: basil, tarragon, peppermint, angelica
Recommended vegetable oils: sweet almond, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel, macadamia

Massage the abdomen in large and slow circular movements with the palm of the hand, clockwise, with 2 or 3 drops of tarragon or peppermint essential oil mixed with 3 drops of vegetable oil, once or twice a day, for the duration of the symptoms.

If you are frequently prone to bloating, press the reflex points that promote digestive comfort for 3 minutes after each meal, in a quiet place, lying down if possible (see drawing below).