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What is abdominal therapy?

Abdominal therapy is an external, gentle, holistic approach to releasing tension and restoring balance in the abdominal, pelvic, and low back regions. It works with the muscles, fascia, ligaments, and organs to support digestion, reproductive health, circulation, and overall wellness.

What kinds of issues can abdominal therapy help with?

Clients often seek this work for:

• Fertility and reproductive support

• Menstrual and uterine health

• Prenatal and postpartum wellness

• Digestive and bladder issues

• Scar tissue and adhesion healing

• Nervous system calming and stress relief

• General abdominal and pelvic wellness

What does a session look like?

Each session begins with a conversation about your health history and current concerns. Hands on work includes massage of the abdomen, upper legs, low back, and hips. I also teach Embodied Belly™ Personal Care Massage techniques and castor oil packs so you can continue the benefits at home.

Does it hurt?

Most clients describe abdominal therapy as deeply relaxing, grounding, and relieving. Some areas may feel tight or tender if there’s congestion or scar tissue, but the work is always comfortable and guided by you.

How soon after childbirth or surgery can I receive abdominal therapy?

It depends on your individual healing process. After a vaginal birth, therapy is often safe around 6 weeks postpartum. After a cesarean birth or abdominal surgery, it’s best to wait until your care provider clears you and your incision is fully closed. Usually around 12 weeks. I’ll tailor the work to your stage of recovery.

How many sessions will I need?

Every body is different. Some people notice improvement after the first session, while others benefit from a series of treatments. I’ll make recommendations based on your goals, but you always decide what feels right for you.

Is this work good for men as well as women?

Yes. While many clients come for reproductive or postpartum support, abdominal therapy can also help men with digestive issues, bladder health, scar tissue, or general abdominal and pelvic wellness.

What should I wear to a session?

Wear comfortable clothing. You will be on a massage table. You will be undressed to your comfort level. For the abdominal portion of the session, you’ll be draped and covered, with only the area being worked on exposed.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not bill insurance directly. However, I can provide receipts for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) if your plan allows massage therapy.

Where are you located?

Moon Shadow Healing Arts is based in Minnesota. Full details, directions, and booking information are available on the Contact page.

How do I book an appointment?

I do not have online scheduling. You will need to contact me or a practitioner I have trained.

How Abdominal Therapy Supports Specific Issues

Embodied Traditions™ Holistic Abdominal Therapy is customized to your unique needs and health concerns. Many clients seek support for the following conditions and symptoms:

Endometriosis

Abdominal therapy can help ease pelvic congestion, soften adhesions and scar tissue, and calm the nervous system. Many people experience relief from chronic pain, improved circulation, and a stronger connection to their body with this work.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Gentle abdominal massage supports circulation to the ovaries and uterus, reduces pelvic stagnation, and can ease some of the symptoms that comes with PCOS. Some people find improved cycle regularity and overall pelvic health when combining therapy with lifestyle or medical care.

Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)

This work focuses on bringing the uterus into the optimal position, releasing tension in the abdomen and uterine area and surrounding ligaments, encouraging healthy blood flow and lymphatic flow to help calm menstrual cramps. Many clients report lighter, less painful periods after consistent care.

PMS Symptoms

Hormonal shifts can affect mood, digestion, and physical comfort. Abdominal therapy supports nervous system regulation, pelvic balance, and circulation, which may ease bloating, irritability, and fatigue before menstruation.

Digestive Issues

By working with the abdomen and diaphragm, abdominal therapy encourages optimal organ function and helps reduce bloating, constipation, sluggish digestion, or abdominal discomfort. Many clients notice they breathe more deeply and digest more easily after sessions.

Fertility Support

Abdominal therapy nurtures the uterus and reproductive organs, helps improve blood and lymph flow, and creates space in the pelvis for optimal function. It can complement medical fertility treatments or provide holistic support for those seeking to conceive naturally.

Breech Babies

Abdominal therapy can create more space by gently releasing tension in the ligaments, fascia, and surrounding muscles. This can help babies find a more optimal position for birth. While not a guarantee that a breech baby will turn,abdominal therapy can increase comfort, reduce restrictions, and support both mother and baby during pregnancy.

C-Section Scar Healing

Gentle work around the scar and surrounding tissues can soften adhesions, restore circulation, and reduce the “C-section shelf.” Abdominal Therapy supports healing on both a physical and emotional level, helping clients feel more at home in their bodies.

Pelvic Floor Tension & Prolapse

Abdominal therapy works with the ligaments, fascia, and muscles that influence pelvic alignment. By reducing abdominal and sacral tension, abdominal therapy can ease pelvic floor pressure and create more balanced support for the organs.

IBS, Bloating & Sluggish Digestion

Abdominal Therapy encourages healthy motility by relaxing the diaphragm and abdominal wall, increasing circulation to the intestines, and reducing congestion. Clients often notice less bloating, easier elimination, and greater abdominal comfort.

Miscarriage Recovery

Abdominal therapy provides gentle, restorative care for both the body and spirit after pregnancy loss. It helps ease uterine and abdominal tension, supports circulation, and offers a grounding way to reconnect with the body during the healing process.

Menopause Symptoms

Hormonal transitions can bring hot flashes, sleep disruption, and changes in pelvic or digestive health. Abdominal therapy promotes circulation, supports organ balance, and calms the nervous system, helping clients move through this life stage with greater ease.

Post-Surgical Adhesions

Scar tissue and adhesions from abdominal or pelvic surgery can restrict movement and circulation. Abdominal therapy gently softens adhesions, reduces discomfort, and supports long-term tissue health.

Anxiety, Stress & Nervous System Overload

Because so many nerves pass through the abdomen, this work deeply influences the nervous system. Clients often feel calmer, more centered, and better able to handle stress after treatment.

Low Back & Hip Pain

Abdominal tension often contributes to musculoskeletal pain in the lower back and hips. By releasing restrictions in the abdomen, pelvis, and sacrum, abdominal therapy helps to restore mobility and ease chronic discomfort.

Urinary Issues

Abdominal Therapy supports bladder function by improving circulation and releasing tension in the pelvic region. It may help reduce frequency, urgency, or discomfort associated with urinary imbalance.

Other Concerns

Clients also come for support with postpartum recovery, bladder health, scar tissue healing, and overall abdominal and pelvic wellness. Each session is tailored to your body’s needs and your goals.