Throughout history, and even today, many cultures incorporated abdominal massage into their medicine. Abdominal massage has been practiced around the world by wise women and healers because it is a simple and profoundly effective practice. Our abdomen is our power souce, our core, the center of our universe. Our health, movement and life force originate from this focal point. It makes sense to start here to attend to our health concerns. It is also and invaluable adjunct to any yoga practice.
The Breath
Yoga begins with the breath. The repetitive inhalations and exhalations, guide all of our peripheral body movements. Without optimal function of the diaphragm- the parachute - shaped muscle dividing the chest and pelvic cavity- all respiration is compromised. Chronic stress and anxiety can result in chronic tightening of this muscle, which restricts lung volume and limits oxygen exchange. While yoga poses, can stimulate the active diaphragm, passive manipulation is better achieved through touch. Abdominal massage can effectively liberate tension, freeing the breath and enhancing this most essential aspect of yoga practice.
The Physical Core
Abdominal massage heightens awareness of our entire abdominal area both externally and internally. Yoga stretches and activates the outermost layers of muscle, stabalizing the midsection of the body and expanding the range of motion of our extremeties. Massage to these superficial tissues can encourage this further, allowing for greater extension, reach and opening. When combined yoga and abdominal massage work in concert to correct musculoskeletal imbalances, spinal misalignment and poor posture.
Our vital organs reside in the abdomen, certain yoga postures engage specific systems or open their associated energetic pathways. Targeted manual palpation can allow for deeper, more direct penetration of these interior structures. For generally healthy men and women, these modalities together bring attention to the body's innermost sensations and maintain proper functioning. For indicidual with medical concerns - such as post-partum or surgical recovery, digestive ailments or reproductive challenges- the dual therapies can alleviate symptoms or promote healting.
The Emotional Center
The belly is often considered the home of our primal instincts and out emotions. We often use expressions like, "trust the gut", "gut-wrenching", and "butterflies in the stomach" to describe the bodily experience of our feelings. As such, it is not uncommon for people to feel vulnerable or uncomfortable when their midriff is exposed or touched. Meditation and yoga foster an increased mindfulness of our thought patterns and the emotions they inspire. Exploring the abdomen through massage, can liberate and tap into the feelings we hold inside; like, fear, anger, grief, and even joy.
Yoga and abdominal massage share an emphasis on breath-work, physical alignment and emotional conn

ectivity. These discplines affect the body internally and externally in ways that are mutually beneficial and even synergistic and serve as a solid foundation for a holistic approach to healing and overall health.
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