I Love You…Massage for Constipation
By: Mindy Eisenberg, MHSA, C-IAYT, ERYT-500 with Bettyanne Hodges, Director of Marketing, YMMS
Constipation can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and even painful. Whether it’s caused by a health condition like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, medication side effects, or just daily stress—it can leave you feeling stuck, bloated, and sluggish.
Did you know your hands, your breath, and a little self-care can make a big difference? One gentle way to help your body is something called the “I Love You” abdominal massage….which helps move things along in your digestive system. It’s called the “I Love You” massage because of the way your hand moves in the shape of those three letters across your belly. It follows the natural direction of your colon, helping with elimination. It’s easy to learn and only takes a few minutes.
Massage helps your digestive system by:
- Stimulating the muscles of the colon
- Encouraging peristalsis (the wave-like motion that moves food and waste)
- Reducing gas and bloating
- Calming your nervous system, which plays a big role in digestion
If you’ve ever taken an adaptive yoga class with Yoga Moves Any Body, you know that movement, breath, and awareness are powerful tools. This massage works the same way: gentle, thoughtful care that supports your whole body.
You can do this massage lying down or sitting in a chair. Make sure your belly is relaxed. You may want to warm your hands by rubbing them together first. Use light to medium pressure. Breathe deeply as you move your hand. Let your belly soften.
- Draw the “I”: Using your right hand, gently stroke down the left side of your belly, just inside your hip bone to your rib cage. Do this 3–5 times. (This follows the descending colon.)
- Draw the “L”: Start at the lower right belly. Move your hand across the top of your belly (just under the ribs), then down the left side. This makes an L-shape. Repeat 3–5 times. (This moves waste across the transverse and descending colon.)
- Draw the “U”: Begin in the lower right belly, move your hand up the right side, across the top, and down the left side—forming a U. Repeat slowly, 3–5 times. (This full stroke traces your entire large intestine.)
The “I Love You” massage is a simple way to connect with your body and support your digestion. Paired with other gentle practices—like seated yoga twists, deep breathing, and hydration—it can become part of a healthy routine.
And remember, you’re not alone. Whether you live with Parkinson’s, MS, or just want to feel better in your belly, Yoga Moves Any Body is here for you. Our adaptive yoga classes and wellness resources help you move, relax, and thrive—one breath, one pose, one massage at a time.
To learn more about Mindy Eisenberg, Director of Yoga Moves MS and Bettyanne Hodges, Director of Marketing, or to learn more about our specialized classes for students with MS, Parkinson’s Disease, and related conditions go to Yoga Moves MS Website.
To order Mindy’s book or adaptive yoga cards Adaptive Yoga Moves Any Body and Adaptive Yoga Cards. (Click the link to order).
