The Benefits of Ileocecal Valve Massage

In Digestive Health, Nutrition | by Dr. Jockers | Comments { 0 } | Affiliate Disclosure

The Benefits of Ileocecal Valve Massage

Often times, solutions can be so simple that they get overlooked. Ileocecal
valve massage is one of those solutions. Ileocecal valve massage has been
found to be very effective for the relief of a wide range of gastrointestinal
problems. Research has suggested that malfunction of this valve is a large
contributor to gas, bloating, abdominal cramping, constipation and more (1).
Massaging the valve has been reported to help with issues such as colds,
nausea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), constipation, diarrhea
and more due to the large impact that gastrointestinal health has on the entire
body.
Another great perk about this finding is that it is absolutely free. Free, natural,
and evidence based healing solutions are always worth a try!
What is the Ileocecal Valve?
The ileocecal valve connects the large intestine to the small intestine. The
valve creates a barrier that allows each environment to support different
temperatures, pH levels, microflora and digestive processes.

Essentially, this valve functions as a barrier between the large and small
intestine. It prevents the backflow of harmful toxins and microbial
overgrowth into the small intestine. It also prevents food from entering the
large intestine before it is effectively digested (5).
Malfunction of the Ileocecal Valve
Problems occur when this valve is stuck open or closed.

Once food has been digested and is ready for passage into the large intestine,
a closed ileocecal valve will result in constipation. When constipation occurs
due to this valve being stuck closed, fecal matter and toxins are not able to get
through the entrance into the large intestine.
Instead, these waste products are left in the small intestine and the function of
the small intestine is to absorb. Therefore, these toxic waste products
continue to be absorbed into the body, which can cause many health issues
(5).
When the valve is stuck open, food can exit too quickly in the form of
diarrhea and malabsorption of vital nutrients can result. In addition, bacteria
from the large intestine can also migrate up into the small intestine causing
bacterial overgrowth and the resulting health deterioration that goes along
with that.
The Role of the Ileocecal Valve in SIBO
As mentioned above, research has supported that when the ileocecal valve is
stuck open, this allows bacteria to proliferate up into the small intestine that
would not normally have access to this area.

One study that was designed to find out if a malfunctioning ileocecal valve is
related to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, evaluated ileocecal valve
pressures and lactulose breath readings. They also noticed correlations with
patient symptoms that they were not expecting.

They used a colonoscopy procedure to evaluate the pressures and found that
patients with a lower pressure and open valve, had positive lactulose breath
readings and symptoms of fullness during meals, gas, and bloating. Patients
with a higher pressure had negative lactulose breath readings and denied
having any gastrointestinal symptoms.

The results of these studies show us that an open ileocecal valve is highly
related to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (3).
Another very similar study was conducted and the data replicated the results
of the study mentioned above. The researchers concluded that malfunction of
the ileocecal valve is a prominent player in intestinal disorders and should
be considered in patients struggling with gastrointestinal complaints (1).
 Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
(SIBO)
SIBO occurs when there is overgrowth of bacteria from the large intestine up
into the small intestine. The small intestine is less populated with gut
microflora so when overgrowth occurs this can cause multiple symptoms
such as:
1. Gas
2. Bloating
3. Diarrhea &/or Constipation (less common than diarrhea)
4. Abdominal pain or cramping

5. Skin disorder such as eczema and rosacea

6. Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease

7. Food intolerances such as gluten, casein, lactose, fructose and more

8. Chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue
syndrome, autoimmune diseases, diabetes and neuromuscular disorders.
9. B12 deficiency as well as other vitamins and minerals (iron
and magnesium are common)
10. Fat malabsorption (2).
What Can Cause Ileocecal Malfunction?
1. Dehydration
2. Any type of stress
3. Eating too frequently

4. Eating too quickly

5. Food sensitivities

6. Under-chewing your food

7. Caffeine

8. Carbonated drinks

9. Alcohol

10. Chocolate

11. Hot spicy food (4)

12. Appendix removal (5).
 How to Locate and Massage the Valve?
In order to massage the valve, you can follow these steps. Keep in mind that
placement may vary from person to person.

1. Place your right thumb on your hip bone and your left thumb on your navel.

2. The valve is located about halfway between the hip bone and belly button so
imagine a line connecting these two points and find the middle.

3. Take all of your fingers and place them about 3 inches below that middle
point. You should be close to the ileocecal valve.

4. Press in slowly but deeply and firmly. Search for the little tender hardened
area and this is your valve. Some people find it easier while laying down.

5. After you find it, begin to massage it in a circular motion with medium
pressure for 10-15 seconds.

6. Then come about 3-4 inches to the left of the IC valve and make a fist and
gently push from left to right to move contents through the small intestine and
into the large intestine.
7. After the massage, form your hand into a fist and stimulate the reflex are
located in the right front upper arm (close to your armpit) for 10 seconds.
View the chart below for location visuals (4).
How Often To Do the Valve Massage
This can be done 3 times a day before meals as well as first thing in the
morning and last thing before bed.

Also, keep in mind that the entire digestive tract is a muscular tube and is
constantly contracting (peristalsis) and relaxing. Sometimes these muscles
may show signs of cramping or have weak areas. This may present as gas,
burping, or weird throat noises such as gurgling.

These signs can indicate that your valve needs support. The tenderness
associated with the location of the valve may go away after a week or two of
implementing this technique (4).

How to Close an Opened Valve?

An open valve will likely result in signs of small intestinal bacterial
overgrowth or diarrhea. You can try closing the valve yourself by finding the
valve and pushing in with your fingers. While you are pushing, pull up and
toward the left shoulder for 3 minutes.

Placing an ice pack over the valve for 15-20 minutes may also help close the
valve (5).
In addition, we suggest using Activated Charcoal to aid in stopping diarrhea.
This supplement has the capability of binding materials and absorbing them
like a sponge. It can absorb over 100 times its own weight in toxins and bind
them so that they are excreted in stool. This is also our go to product for
absorbing die off toxins of harmful pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract.
This is the protocol we use for diarrhea:

GI Regulator: 2 caps with meals

Gut Healing Protein: 2 scoops in shakes 1-2x daily
L-glutamine: 2 scoops in shake
Activated Charcoal: 2-4 caps 3x daily (outside of meals)
Do this until the diarrhea stops and then drop all dosages in half and continue
for two weeks. This approach absorbs toxins, increases secretory IgA, aids in
rebuilding the gut lining, kills off pathogens, and absorbs die off toxins.

How to Open a Closed Valve?

When constipation is experienced, try massaging the valve for several
minutes as well as the reflex area in the right upper arm (5).
We have found the most effective product for constipation to be magnesium,
as most diets are either deficient or the body is not absorbing this nutrient
well. We use 200-800mg of magnesium in the form of magtein, magnesium
L-threonate, and magnesium lysinate glycinate chelate.

These forms of magnesium have been proven to be the most absorbable.

Most supplements containing magnesium are not absorbed efficiently by the
body and can require excessive amounts to get the correct amount. Brain
Calm Magnesiumalso contains magtein , which is the only form of
magnesium shown to cross the blood brain barrier and improve brain
function.
Other methods for relieving constipation include 8 ounces of unsweetened
aloe vera juice, green juices with fresh ginger and lemon, increased amounts
of fibrous vegetables, and ginger herbal teas. Ginger promotes bile secretion
and detoxification from the liver as well as peristalsis throughout the
gastrointestinal tract.
 Steps for Maintaining a Healthy Valve
1. Eliminate the toxic foods from the intestinal tract with garlic or chlorophyll

2. Remove spicy foods (for at least a week) and remove alcohol, cocoa,
chocolate and caffeine from the diet if you struggle with this problem.
3. This last step is very important. To relieve symptoms quickly, rub the reflex
points below for 10-20 seconds each. It is not beneficial to this for longer or
shorter of a time period. The reflex points include the right upper front arm
by armpit, outer and inner thighs of both legs on the front and back, the right
side of the neck next to the spine and touching underneath the occipital bone
of the skull, and the back of the right calf close to the knee.
Conclusion
The next time that you or someone you know, is struggling with symptoms of
gastrointestinal distress or even flu like symptoms, try ileocecal valve
massage and rubbing the associated reflex points suggested in this article (5).
You may be pleasantly surprised from relief.
This article was written by Haley Gibson, BSN, RN, FDN. Haley is
passionate about helping people overcome their health challenges through
healthy lifestyle, nutrition and natural strategies.

You are likely hosting one or more parasiteswhich can enter your body
through food, drink, contact with infected personsand can live within you
for years!

At The Parasite Summit, our experts will help you determine if parasites are
silently impacting your healththeyre FAR MORE COMMON than you
think!
WHY ATTEND?
Parasites arent just found in third-world countries, millions are already
infected in industrialized countriestheyre far more common than you realize
and could be silently hampering your health.
Fortunately, with awareness and appropriate care, parasites can be prevented
and treated, once detected.

The Parasite Summit is online and free from September 11-18, 2017!
Do You Have Any of the Following?
Gastrointestinal: pain/cramps, excess gas, bloating, constipation/diarrhea

Infertility and hormone disorders

Skin issues: acne, itching, rashes

Mental health: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.

Challenges with autoimmune disease recovery

If you are dealing with any of these issues than you MUST
ATTEND this free online event!
Sources For This Article Include:
1. Ciarleglio, MM, Clark, JO, Mullin, GE, Pasricha, PJ, Roland, BC, Semler, JR & Tomakin, E. (2014). Low
Ileocecal Valve Pressure is Significantly Associated with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Dig Dis

Sci. 59(6): 1269-77. Doi: 10.1007/s10620-014-3166-7. Online Link

2. Jockers, D. 14 Strategies to Beat SIBO Naturally. Online Link

3. Kotapati, SK, Makipour, K, Miller, LS, Prabhu, S, Sampath, AM & Vegesna, AK. (2014) Ileocecal Valve
Dysfunction in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Pilot Study. World J Gastroenterol.18(46): 6801

6808. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i46.6801. Online Link

4. Tannenbaum, R. (2016). Ileocecal Valve Syndrome. Online Link

5. Williams, D. (2016). How to Manipulate Your Ileocecal Valve for Better Health. Online Link