In our series of blog articles on the intestine, we have so far mainly reported on internal applications. But the intestine as the centre of the vegetative control of the body can also be supplied with healing stimuli via the skin. Various reflex points on the body are connected to the countless nerves that make the intestine the "abdominal brain". Not only Ayurveda knows beneficial applications for the abdomen. Various abdominal compresses also play a major role in European naturopathy. Greats of natural medicine such as Father Kneipp or the Austrian surgeon Dr. F. X. Mayr attached great importance to optimising the activity of the digestive system through heat applications and massages.

Ayurvedic oil massage

One of the most impressive experiences one can have is an Ayurvedic synchronous massage. 4 hands gently glide over the body in unison, sending the mind into a deep state of relaxation. This massage technique, known as "Abhyanga", is part of every Pancha Karma cleansing treatment. . Through this application of fragrant warm oils, the autonomic nervous system enters a state of balance that spreads as a sense of well-being throughout the entire body. The gentle abdominal massage is an important part of this full body massage.

Self oil massage

The classical texts of Ayurvedic medicine recommend not only to use oil massages selectively or seasonally as part of cleansing cures, but also to apply some oil externally every day if possible. This can be done more or less extensively as part of a self-oil massage.

See our video with instructions for self-oil massage here If this application is too time-consuming, take a shortcut: use a little oil before your daily shower and gently massage it onto your forehead, neck and lower back. Put a little oil on the navel and place both hands flat on the belly and gently circle clockwise around the navel. Make at least 10 circles. You can routinely do this simple application daily before your shower. It will gently stimulate your digestive fire Agni and balance the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Belly wrap

There are many reflex points on the surface of the abdomen that control intestinal activity. Very many people suffer from slight discomfort in the abdomen: flatulence, pressure or slight pain in the upper abdomen after eating, irregular excretions... An ideal remedy for this is abdominal wraps. After a gentle abdominal massage, moist warm cloths are applied and then left on the skin for a longer period of time with a hot water bottle. This leads to deep relaxation in the abdomen, brought about by a gentle activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. This results in an improvement in the processing and assimilation of the vital substances in the food as well as a strengthening of the immune system. In this way, underlying inflammations in the intestine ("leaky gut"), which sensitively disturb the entire body, can slowly but surely heal. This belly wrap is part of the exercises of the webinar "Herbal Detox" as "Nabhi Marma / Nabhi Svedana". Many participants of our webinars are particularly enthusiastic about this exercise.

Summary

Internal applications for healing the intestines and digestive processes with medicinal herbs, cleansing cures and probiotics are optimally complemented by external massage applications on the abdomen. Gentle abdominal massages are part of every Ayurvedic oil massage and their effect can be intensified by specific heat applications (Nabhi Svedana). The abdomen as the seat of digestive organs and "abdominal brain" deserves our special attention in maintaining health and healing diseases. Only a healthy belly enables balance of the doshas and experience of well-being and happiness on all levels of life.