Step 2
The Clinical Problem
the smooth muscle tissue of the small intestine and spasm of the abdominal muscles will cause pain and blockage of the intestines around the navel.
They may also report indigestion, irregular bowel movement, or visible changes in the shape and firmness of the abdomen.
Despite dietary adjustments and general abdominal massage, the symptoms often persist.
In many cases the underlying cause lies not only in the abdominal wall but also in the muscular activity of the intestines themselves.
The walls of the intestines are composed of three layers of smooth muscle that work together to move food through the digestive tract using rhythmic contractions called peristalsis.
When the intestinal muscles encounter material that is difficult to move — such as dense proteins or certain insoluble fibers — the muscles may work harder in an attempt to push the contents forward.
Like any muscle, when they become fatigued from sustained effort, they can enter spasm.
When this occurs, a segment of intestine may tighten around the material instead of moving it forward. This creates a localized obstruction in the digestive wave and can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and irregular bowel movement.
As the intestine tightens and twists, tension is transmitted through the ligaments that suspend the intestines and anchor them to the spine and abdominal wall.
At the same time, the abdominal muscles themselves attach to the linea alba, the connective tissue structure that runs down the center of the abdomen and connects directly to the navel.
When the abdominal muscles enter spasm, they exert tension on the linea alba and navel, adding further pressure to the abdominal contents.
The combination of intestinal spasm and abdominal wall tension can create a twisting effect within the abdominal cavity. This tension may pull on the ligaments that stabilize the intestines and transmit strain toward the vertebral column and surrounding structures.
These forces can contribute to:
• constipation
• indigestion
• abdominal pressure or bloating
• pain around the navel
• visible distortion of abdominal tone
The Releasology navel release technique works through the abdominal wall using the Yang–Yin cycle to gently decompress both the abdominal muscles and the intestinal segments beneath them.
As the abdominal tissues soften and the intestinal segments release from spasm, normal peristaltic movement can resume and tension through the connective tissues of the abdomen can diminish.
This restoration of normal motion can relieve digestive restriction, reduce abdominal discomfort, and help restore a natural aesthetic balance to the abdomen.
Release these muscles, smooth and skeletal, to relieve navel pain and discomfort.
Step 3
Why This Happens
The navel sits at the center of the abdominal system and reflects how pressure, movement, and internal structures are coordinated.
It is influenced by:
• diaphragm above
• pelvic floor below
• abdominal wall surrounding it
• internal organ movement
When the system is functioning properly:
• pressure distributes evenly
• breathing transfers force downward
• the abdominal contents move freely
When dysfunction develops:
👉 pressure becomes uneven
👉 movement becomes restricted
👉 the center begins to hold
Intestinal Mechanics (Clinical Observation)
The small intestine is suspended within the abdomen by connective structures that guide and support its position.
It is not loose or random.
It is organized, supported, and able to move within a controlled space.
Like an earthworm, the intestine is capable of:
• elongating
• contracting
• creating wave-like motion
This is peristalsis.
When functioning properly:
• movement is smooth
• segments contract and release in sequence
• contents move efficiently
Fatigue and Spasm
When the system encounters resistance:
• peristalsis becomes effortful
• segments begin to fatigue
• localized contraction increases
Over time:
👉 sections of the intestine can become held in a state of contraction
This may present as:
• reduced movement
• internal tension
• a sense of pressure or stagnation
These contractions are not voluntary.
They occur at a level below conscious control.
Releasology Perspective
From a Releasology perspective, this creates a disruption in central abdominal conduction.
Instead of smooth movement:
• pressure is contained
• motion is restricted
• the system begins to coil inward
The navel becomes a point where:
👉 these patterns can be accessed and influenced
Step 4
Anatomy
The navel marks the central point of the abdominal wall.
It is surrounded by:
• rectus abdominus
• external oblique
• internal oblique
• transverse abdominus
• linea alba
• peritenium
Internally, it corresponds to:
• small intestine
• portions of the colon
• mesenteric support structures
Pressure Relationships
This region reflects the balance between:
• diaphragm (top-down pressure)
• abdominal wall (inward pressure)
• posterior structures (psoas and spine)
When balanced:
• space is maintained
• movement is possible
When disrupted:
👉 the center collapses inward
Step 5
Palpation and Tissue Assessment
Palpation at the navel region allows access to both:
• superficial abdominal tissue
• deeper functional responses
Contact
Place fingers gently around the navel.
Allow the tissue to settle.
Clockwise rule!
Always use clockwise movements if you integrate any massage into this. Small and large circular strokes are great on the abdomen and compliment this modality! The rule is, always go clockwise. From the client/patient perspective, that means up on their right side, across to the left on the top of their abdomen, and downward on the left which heads toward the sigmoid colon, ultimately. Massage strokes in the opposite direction will cause some bad intestinal issues. Don't do it. But, please do add some small circular (clockwise, from your perspective) strokes, in between a several rounds of our navel releasology techniques.
Cross-Fiber and Multi-Directional Assessment
Move across the tissue in multiple directions, but from your perspective, always in a clockwise direction.
Do not follow a single line.
Feel for:
• resistance
• density
• areas that do not yield
Tissue Response
Restricted tissue may feel:
• firm
• slightly coiled or lumpy
• painful to touch
• slightly swollen or inflamed (these spots are where pollups are likely to form internally, and this technique generally removes the cause of pollups, and within hours the pollups clear up naturally. This has been clinically observed many times.
Healthy tissue feels:
• soft
• responsive
• able to shift easily
Deeper Observation
In some cases, deeper restriction may be perceived as:
• subtle internal resistance
• lack of movement beneath the surface
This reflects the state of the system beneath.
Step 6
Neurological Consequences
The abdominal center plays a major role in:
• pressure regulation
• movement coordination
• system-wide relaxation
Functional Effects
When restricted:
• breathing becomes less effective
• abdominal movement decreases
• the system remains partially activated
Intestinal Influence
When segments of the intestine remain in sustained contraction:
• movement efficiency decreases
• internal pressure patterns change
• the system may feel tense or unsettled
Because these processes occur below conscious control:
👉 the body cannot voluntarily release them
Clinical Observation
In practice, releasing this region is often associated with significant functional changes.
Clients frequently report:
• improved comfort
• reduced abdominal tension
• improved digestion
There have also been repeated observations of structural changes reported on follow-up medical exams after treatment.
While outcomes can vary, these changes suggest that:
👉 restoring movement and reducing compression in this region can have meaningful effects
Releasology Perspective
Releasology techniques allow access to these patterns through:
• external contact
• controlled pressure
• Yang–Yin release cycles
By applying:
• steady Yang engagement
• followed by Yin softening
the system can:
👉 shift out of sustained contraction
👉 return to coordinated movement
Systemic Effect
When the abdominal center releases:
• pressure redistributes
• movement returns
• the system becomes more integrated
Clients often report:
• deeper breathing
• increased relaxation
• a sense of internal openness
Step 7
Technique Demonstration
Watch the demonstration carefully.
First Viewing — Flow• how the practitioner locates the muscle• how they enter the tissue• pacing and control
Second Viewing — Mechanics
• direction of pressure (inward, precise)
• how depth is achieved without force
• body positioning
Observe the Release
• softening of the muscle
• reduced resistance• visible relaxation in the client
What to Watch For
• exact location of the psoas• how the practitioner avoids surrounding structures• when the tissue yields
Step 8
Worksheet Exercise
Download the worksheet below. and use five blank copies. One for each abdominal muscle and one for the intestines.
Using a red drawing tool on your phone or tablet:
-
Trace the attachments of each of these muscles from their origin to their insertion, first. These attachment representations are the most important. They represent where you think they attach. This is where you need to see what you think, compare it to the real illustration after, a few times, and when you can draw it perfectly from memory, send the latest to us for review.
-
These lines represent the muscle fibers of this muscle so use them to indicate the correct direction these fibers pass in.
-
Use these lines to fill in the bulk of what the muscle looks like.
-
This exercise should actually be kind of fun to do and it's the best way to come to terms with exactly where muscles attach.
Save the image to your device.
Upload the completed worksheet in the next step.
Mastery of anatomy is required for precise clinical work.
Step 9
Practice Assignment
Clinical Skill Development
Execution
• place gentle contact around the navel
• apply controlled inward pressure
• work in multiple directions
Yang–Yin Application
Apply:
• steady Yang pressure toward the center
• wait for resistance
Then:
• soften into Yin
• allow the tissue to release
Focus
• do not force
• remain at the point of resistance
• allow the system to respond
What to Look For
• softening of tissue
• increased abdominal movement
• subtle internal shifts
In some cases:
👉 a sense of release or “uncoiling”
Step 10
Treatment Recording
In this step you will record yourself performing the navel complex release techniques, so your form and body mechanics can be evaluated.
You will need:
• a massage table or treatment surface
• a practice subject
• a tripod or stable support for your phone or camera
• good lighting so your hand placement is clearly visible
Position the camera so that the following are clearly visible in the video:
• your hand placement on the client
• your body mechanics and posture
• the direction of pressure you apply
• the client’s entire abdominal region during the release
The video should show the entire treatment sequence, from initial contact to release.
Record yourself performing the navel complex release techniques so your form and body mechanics can be evaluated.
☑ correct finger placement
☑ practitioner body mechanics
☑ the Yang engagement phase
☑ the Yin release phase
The video should show the full treatment sequence from initial contact to muscle release.
Upload your video for instructor review.
Your instructor will confirm that the technique is performed safely, accurately, and according to the Releasology method.
Step 11
Client Testimonial
Ask your practice subject to rate their symptoms before and after the treatment using a 0–10 scale.
Record a brief testimonial video including::
☑ symptom description
☑ before score
☑ after score
☑ changes they experienced
Upload the testimonial video.
Documenting real clinical outcomes is an essential part of Releasology training.
Step 12
Knowledge Check & Module Completion
Complete the following quiz to confirm your understanding of the Navel Release technique and the key concepts in this module.
Modality Quiz
Complete the following quiz to confirm your understanding of the Navel Release technique. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass this module.
1. This complex primarily influences:
A. Shoulder
B. Abdominal region
C. Knee
D. Wrist
2. Dysfunction can cause:
A. Leg cramps
B. A foul odor
C. Polups, indigestion and bloating
D. Ligaments only
3. Why is this region significant in Releasology?
A. It controls the spine
B. It acts as a central pressure hub
C. It strengthens muscles
D. It reduces circulation
4. A symptom may include:
A. Abdominal tightness
B. Foot pain
C. Wrist instability
D. Jaw clicking
5. Release restores:
A. Bone density
B. Balanced abdominal pressure, motility and mobility
C. Muscle growth
D. Ligament elasticity