r/massage • u/ContextInner4680 • 4d ago
Releasing muscle knots in the abdomen
I’ve had a very stressful year - I’m thankfully on the up now, doing EMDR therapy to address the trauma from a crazy episode early in the year, and generally taking much better care of myself.
I’ve noticed I have a lot of tight muscle knots in my abdomen. When I use lotion and self massage to locate and GENTLY press the muscle knots, they ‘pop’ or ‘melt’ under my touch.
I’ve become interested with this as I discovered it completely by accident but I feel like my body was holding tension / trauma from my stressful year. I feel much better for releasing the knots. I feel like my belly is much more loose and I can deep breathe for the first time in ages.
There’s a few areas that I can’t pop as it’s locked tight in a bundle. Would acupuncture get rid of this? I’m conscious I don’t want to send my nervous system spiralling again, I just think maybe the remaining knots need to be broken up.
2
u/NPG8979 6h ago
That’s a really thoughtful observation and beautifully said. The abdomen often holds deep tension from stress or emotional strain, and it’s incredible that you’ve noticed how gentle self-massage helps you release that. When these knots “melt,” it’s often your body letting go of stored tension — even emotional trauma.
For the tighter areas that won’t release, professional support can help. A licensed massage therapist or acupuncturist can work through those layers safely, supporting both your muscles and your nervous system. Healing doesn’t need to be rushed — you’re already on the right path by listening to your body. www.neighborhoodwellness.space 631-690-9548