How to Use Shiatsu for Flatulence and Bloating

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posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that uses gentle pressure and manipulation to relieve stress and promote overall health. The practice focuses on lines of energy on the body called meridians. When the body is healthy, energy flows through these meridians unhindered. When the energy is blocked, it can cause several problems. For example, a blocked digestive meridian can cause flatulence and bloating. By stimulating pressure points along the meridians, you can relieve that flatulence and bloating.

Steps

Knee Pressure Point

Sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet flat on the floor. Your knees should bend 90 degrees.

Place the tips of all four fingers of your right hand on your right leg, just below the kneecap. This pressure point is also known as Zu San Li, or Stomach 36. This pressure point is alongside the tibia, or the prominent bone in the front of the lower leg. Where your pinkie falls is the pressure point to activate your stomach and aid digestion. You should feel a small indentation. If you are left-hand-dominant, find the pressure point on left leg.

Move your index and second finger to that spot. Press your fingertips into that spot for up to one minute. Pressing and massaging this point for a few minutes at a time, several times a day, can be a great way to address your digestive issues. According to certain medical studies, this pressure point is connected with the vagus nerve, which helps stimulate digestive enzyme activity.

Sole Pressure Point

Sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet flat and your knees bent 90 degrees.

Cross your right ankle over your left knee. If you are left-hand dominant, cross your left ankle over your right knee.

Press the flat part of your thumb into the space just below the ball of your foot for up to one minute. This pressure point stimulates circulation around your digestive tract, clears up gas and calms your stomach.

Top of the Foot Pressure Point

Sit in a straight-baked chair with your feet flat and your knees bent 90 degrees.

Cross your right ankle over your left knee. If you are left-hand dominant, cross your left ankle over your right knee.

Press your index and second fingers into the space between the knuckles at the base of your second and third toes. This pressure point stimulates the stomach to eliminate gas.