Abdominal massage for candida
By Paola Bassanese
According to WebMed, candida is defined as follows:
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a group of yeast. There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida albicans. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies. Under certain conditions, they can become so numerous they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas. Examples of such infections are vaginal yeast infections, thrush, skin and diaper rash, and nailbed infections.
Candidal infections commonly occur in warm moist body areas, such as underarms. Usually the skin effectively blocks yeast, but any breakdown or cuts in the skin may allow this organism to penetrate.
Candida can be managed with a careful exclusion diet and supplementation including probiotics and antifungals. The exclusion diet is extremely difficult to follow as all sugars and starches are prohibited and may have unpleasant side effects. Always consult a doctor if you have candida.
The abdominal bloating from candida can be eased with massage. Using very specific massage strokes the therapist works all the way up the ascending colon, going across the length of the transcending conlon and moving down the descending colon paying particular attention to the sigmoid colon ie, the part of the large intestine that forms an “S” shape. Just like the drain under the kitchen sink, the sigmoid colon can get “clogged up” and the build up of waste can cause bloating and constipation.
The ICV or ileocecal valve is also worked on through the application of pressure first and then by massaging the area using a circular motion. The same circular motion is then applied to the small intestine working in a clockwise direction.
Additionally, a stretch can be performed at the ribcage. This manoevre allows the ribcage to expand, making more space for the internal organs. By flooding the organs with a supply of fresh blood they are oxygenated and this in turn supports the body’s own detoxification process.
The result: the mechanical action of applying pressure to the abdominal area, specifically the intestinal walls, improve the digestive transit to ease constipation and bloating while the breathing and stretching contribute to the detoxification process and the flattening of the abdomen.
To book a course of abdominal massage treatments, email paola@energya.co.uk or call 0780396166.