The “I Love You” (ILU) abdominal massage is a massage technique that traces the letters I, L, and U on the abdomen to help ease constipation, reduce bloating, and relieve trapped, excessive gas.
It can be carried out by a therapist or as an abdominal self-massage. The massage follows the natural path of the large intestine (colon) and uses firm yet comfortable pressure.
Here below the step-by-step massage instructions for an ILU self-massage:
- Preparation
Lie down on the back with the knees slightly bent. Afterwards, warm a little oil or lotion in the hands to facilitate sliding.
- The “I” Stroke
Do strokes straight down the left side of the abdomen (from below the ribs down to the hip bone). Repeat this 10 times.
- The “L” Stroke
Start on the upper right side under the ribs, stroke horizontally across the upper belly, and then go straight down the left side to the hip shaping a upside-down “L”. Repeat this 10 times.
- The “U” Stroke
Start on the lower right hip, move up towards the right ribs, go across the top, and finish down the left side to form an upside-down “U”. Repeat this 10 times.
- Finishing
Use the fingertips to massage in small clockwise circles around the belly button (navel) for about one to two minutes.
