Ileocaecal Valve Massage

This type of massage can be used as a self care technique in your quest for good bowel health and general wellbeing.

If the valve appears open, closed or in spasm ( diarrhoea/ constipation classic symptoms and flu like symptoms)

  1. You can hold the open valve shut for several to 5 minutes by placing one of your hands over the valve area ( please see blog on valve for location) and exert gentle but firm and consistent pressure in an inward push motion pulling up in the direction of the left shoulder

  2. Another way to locate the valve is to place your left thumb on your navel. Using your right thumb on your right hip you then visualize a line that joins these two points and find the middle of the line. Place all your fingers around 4-5 cm below that middle of the line and you should be right on or near the valve.

  3. Another technique whether the valve is open or closed,  is lie down with your knees bent or raised  and then  with all your fingers, press in a gentle but firm pressure and isolate the area particularly tender. Use your fingers in a pressing release manner ( palpate) to really find the valve. It has been described as feeling like a golf ball under a pillow( your body fat/ muscle) so in leaner people it is usually easier to find and even see some distension

  4. Now in a circular way massage area, exerting medium pressure, I like to use something like coconut oil to reduce any massage friction

  5. Many practitioners instruct their clients to do some reflexology to help relieve acute symptoms. With this technique  you bend your right arm at the elbow region and then using your left fist you stimulate your bicep muscle. You need to apply a brisk sped and medium pressure to the area to initiate the reflex point with is neurally and energetically connected to the ileocaecal valve. At least 10-20 seconds need s to be done to the reflex zone

  6. These  technique are  used pre meals or when experiencing acute or chronic symptoms

Have a practice while not having any symptoms of valve disorder so if it does occur you can be prepared and confident in your ability to find the valve  self massage skills.

Cathy Purcell