Valve Massage

We have sphincters or valves throughout our digestive tract that help regulate the opening from one chamber to the next.

Illeocecal Valve

Regulates the transition between the ileum, or small intestine, and the cecum or head of the large intestine. Back flow of material from the large to small intestine can add bacteria to the small intestine and cause small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). If someone is treating the body for SIBO with diet without addressing the valve itself, or the stress that can contribute to its dysfunction, it will be a futile effort!

Sphincter of Oddi

The Sphincter of Oddi is located near the umbilicus and is the only exit point for fluid from the common bile duct, which flows into the duodenum. It is also an exit point for pancreatic fluids which are crucial for digestion. It is often helpful to stimulate this valve point before or after meals to prevent backup of fluids in the digestive tract and allow for proper breakdown of proteins and fats.

Duodenojejenal Sphincter

Regulates material between the duodenum and jejenum.

Pyloric Sphincter

Allows material to move from the stomach to the duodenum. Great for indigestion.

Cardiac Sphincter

Valve at the lower end of the esophagus, which helps to prevent backflow of contents into the esophagus.

When we go through stress our valves, which are regulated by the autonomic and somatic nervous systems may become frozen as we move into a sympathetic state, or fight/flight/freeze/ fawn responses. This can cause problems downstream through the entire digestive system as the flow from one segment to the next can be blocked off. The vagus nerve, or wandering nerve moves from the brain into various parts of the abdomen and can affect how quickly we are able to move from sympathetic to parasympathetic mode.

To balance your nervous system and gut through a valve massage, start at the illeocecal valve between the umbilicus and prominence of the hip bone, or ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine). Give the little pea shaped valve a bit of pressure and wake up the mechanoreceptors. If you are aware that it is moving in a clockwise direction when you release the pressure, then continue one. If it is not, encourage it to move in a clockwise direction with massage and a bit more pressure. Then continue upstream to the sphincter of Oddi and continue the process.

This is an excellent way to calm your nervous system and promote restful sleep before bed. Give your organs some love and they will love you right back!