Hot water bottle on the stomach: Natural solution to relieve constipation

Health is priceless, but it has a cost. Investing in prevention is worth its weight in gold in well-being.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

The benefits of heat on constipation

Constipation is a common disorder of intestinal transit which affects approximately 15% of the population. It manifests itself by hard stools and difficult to pass, less than 3 stools per week, bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Applying a hot hot water bottle to the stomach can effectively relieve constipation. The heat helps to relax the abdominal muscles and the colon, thus promoting peristalsis, i.e. contractions intestinal tract allowing progression and evacuation of stools.

In addition, the humidified heat of the hot water bottle softens the stools that are too hard, fluidifying to facilitate their passage through the 'intestine. It also helps relieve abdominal pain linked to constipation.

Finally, the hot water bottle provides a pleasant sensation of relaxation and well-being. It can help relax in cases of stress, which is beneficial because stress promotes constipation.

Mechanisms: how does heat help evacuate stools?

The application of heat to the stomach acts by several mechanisms to stimulate the evacuation of stools:

• Relaxation of the muscles: under the action of heat, the abdominal muscles and the walls of the colon relax , allowing the stools to progress better.

• Fluid stools: heat softens stools that are too hard, making them soft and easier to pass.

• Stimulation of peristalsis: heat promotes contractions of the intestinal walls (peristalsis) which propel the stools towards the exit.

• Relief of spasms: the hot water bottle relaxes areas of painful spasms in the colon.

• Decongestion of the liver: heat helps the liver to better produce bile, an essential fluid for fluidifying stools and facilitating transit t5>.

Also read: What is the best type of hot water bottle?

Massage techniques to stimulate transit

In addition to the hot water bottle, there are massage techniques of the stomach which can help fight against constipation:

• The circular massage: perform circular movements in a clockwise direction around the navel. This stimulates blood circulation and relaxes the intestines.

• The colon massage: massage in a pressed manner the colon area located in the lower right part of the abdomen. This helps the colon contract to expel its contents.

• The shiatsu massage: press and hold for 5 to 10 seconds certain acupressure points known to promote transit on the stomach, legs and back.

These massages are carried out in small sequences of 5 to 10 minutes, to be repeated 2 to 3 times a day, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening before bed. They stimulate blood circulation, relax the intestinal muscles and activate peristalsis.

The hot water bottle: a natural solution against constipation

The hot water bottle is a natural remedy very effective for relieving constipation problems. How does it work?

• It must be filled with hot water, not hot, at a pleasant temperature. You can add a few drops of relaxing essential oils.

• Place her on her stomach or on her back for 15 to 20 minutes. The heat diffuses and relaxes the abdominal muscles.

• For greater effectiveness, combine the hot water bottle with light circular massages of the stomach.

• Renew 2 to 3 times a day or as soon as necessary in the event of a constipation attack.

• Remember to warm up the hot water bottle between each use to maintain its beneficial action.

It is a natural treatment, without side effects, which quickly relieves pain and discomfort linked to constipation.

How to use a hot water bottle correctly to relieve constipation?

For optimal use of the hot water bottle against constipation, here are some tips:

• Choose a suitable hot water bottle, made of fabric or plastic, not too heavy.

• The fill 3/4 full of hot water (between 40 and 50°C) and close tightly after possibly adding 2-3 drops of oil essential (peppermint, rosemary, tarragon.)

• Lie on your back and place the hot water bottle on the stomach for 10 to 15 minutes. Lightly tap the hot water bottle to diffuse the heat.

• For a prolonged effect, keep the hot water bottle 20 to 30 minutes against you, at the level of the stomach or back, while remaining lying down.

• Repeat the operation if necessary during the day, remembering to reheat the hot water bottle between each use.

• Caution: do not fall asleep with the hot water bottle on you to avoid burns.

By following these recommendations, the hot water bottle will provide all its benefits against constipation.

Advice and prevention for better digestive health

In addition to the one-off use of a hot water bottle, there are measures to take on a daily basis to prevent constipation and improve digestive health:

Change your diet

• Consume more foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes.) which promote intestinal transit.

• Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day to soften stools.

• Prefer whole grain foods (bread, pasta.) which contain more fiber.

• Consume prunes, a laxative fruit effective against constipation.

• Avoid foods that cause constipation such as dairy products or rice.

Prevention is better than cure. Adopt good health and diet habits before constipation sets in.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Relaxation and well-being techniques

• Practice regular physical activity, such as walking or yoga, which stimulates blood circulation and intestinal transit.

• Do breathing and meditation exercises to manage stress, an aggravating factor in constipation.

• Take the time to eat calmly, chewing slowly and respecting your hunger and satiety signals.

• Massage your stomach regularly with vegetable oil to promote peristalsis.

• Take warm baths that relax the abdominal muscles.

When to consult a professional

• If constipation has lasted for more than 3 weeks.

• If there is blood in the stools.

• In case of persistent abdominal pain.

• If it is accompanied by transit disorders (diarrhea, bloating.)

• In pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The doctor or health professional will determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment (laxatives, probiotics, treatment of an underlying pathology.)

Precautions to take for the elderly and babies

The elderly are more prone to constipation due to the slowdown in transit associated with age. Using a hot water bottle must be done with caution depending on age to avoid burns.

In babies, constipation is generally due to a modification of diet (diversification, weaning.) You can apply a lukewarm hot water bottle for a few minutes on the stomach on the advice of a doctor.

Also read: Hot Water Bottle or Heated Blanket: Which one to choose and why?

Other natural methods to remove a stool blockage

In addition to the hot water bottle, other natural remedies can help with constipation:

• Drink a glass of warm water on an empty stomach in the morning to stimulate transit.

• Eat prunes soaked in water overnight, effective in softening stools.

• Prepare a herbal tea made from laxative plants such as senna or buckthorn.

• Apply a green clay poultice on the stomach to relieve abdominal pain.

• Perform enemas with lukewarm water which allow the rectum to be unblocked mechanically.

• Resort to homeopathy (nux vomica, opium, bryonia.) on medical prescription.

• Take probiotics which rebalance the intestinal flora.

These solutions effectively complement the action of the hot water bottle on the stomach to overcome an episode of constipation.

The hot water bottle as a complement to a suitable diet

Although very effective, the hot water bottle must remain a one-off treatment for constipation. To overcome this in the long term and regain regular transit, it is essential to adopt a diet rich in fiber.

We recommend consuming on a daily basis:

• fruits and vegetables raw or cooked, rich in fiber and water.

• whole grain cereals (whole grain bread, semi-whole grain pasta, whole grain rice.)

• legumes (lentils, dried beans, chickpeas.)

• Oilseeds (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds.)

• flax seeds and psyllium which contain very active fibers.

• Sufficient water (1.5 liters/day minimum).

In addition to such a diet, the hot water bottle used occasionally effectively relieves bouts of constipation.

In summary

The hot water bottle placed on the stomach effectively relieves constipation thanks to the heat which relaxes the intestines and fluidifies the stools. It stimulates peristalsis and calms pain.

This natural solution acts on the entire digestive system by relaxing the abdominal muscles and the colon to facilitate the evacuation of stools.

Remember to reheat between uses. Associate it with a belly massage with olive oil for greater effectiveness.

For basic treatment, adopt a diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains.)

A natural and safe solution to regain regular transit and relieve abdominal pain.

Appearance	Profit	Method	Additional information
Application of heat	Relaxes the abdominal muscles	Hot water bottle on the abdomen	15-20 minutes per session
Softness of stools	Makes stools softer and easier to pass	Heat from the hot water bottle	Liquefies hard stools
Stimulation of peristalsis	Encourages bowel movements	Heat promotes intestinal contractions	Helps with evacuation of stools

FAQ

What is a hot water bottle used for?

The hot water bottle is used to apply heat to a part of the body to alleviate pain or improve certain disorders. On the stomach, it relieves constipation.

Why use a hot water bottle on your stomach?

To relieve constipation because the heat softens the stools, relaxes the intestines and promotes peristalsis. The hot water bottle also soothes abdominal pain.

How to put a hot water bottle on your stomach?

Fill the hot water bottle with hot water, lie down and place it on your stomach for 15 to 20 minutes. Do light circular massages on top to diffuse the heat.

How to remove a saddle plug?

Drink plenty of water, eat foods rich in fiber, perform massages of the stomach, take a enema, apply a hot water bottle on the stomach.

How to empty your stomach in case of constipation?

Take a laxative, eat prunes, drink a laxative herbal tea, do belly massages, take a enema, use a hot hot water bottle.

Does heat help with constipation?

Yes, humidified heat softens stools and relaxes intestinal muscles, stimulating peristalsis. Hence the effectiveness of the hot water bottle.

Where to press to get the stool out?

Massage the colon area in the lower right part of the stomach. Also stimulate the acupressure point located between the index finger and the thumb.

How to evacuate a stool blockage naturally?

With a diet rich in fiber, lukewarm water, laxative herbal teas, abdominal massages and application of a hot water bottle.

Constipation: hot or cold on the stomach?

Warm to relax the muscles, fluidify the stools and activate transit. The cold just relieves the pain. heat is more efficient.

How to relieve menstrual pain with a hot water bottle?

Apply a warm hot water bottle to the painful lower abdomen or side for 15-20 minutes. The heat relieves cramps and relaxes the muscles.

Sources

[1] "Natural ways to relieve constipation", Harvard Health Publishing

Mis à jour le 18 mars 2024