Introduction

Many people experience uncomfortable bloating after meals or feel that their stomach protrudes unnaturally. While it may seem like a simple issue, abdominal bloating can stem from various underlying causes.

This blog outlines the primary reasons for bloating and introduces how osteopathic treatment can help address these symptoms holistically.

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1. Gas Accumulation and Impaired Gas Processing

Gas forms naturally in the intestines through digestion, fermentation, or swallowed air.

Normally, this gas is balanced through production, absorption, and release. When this process is disrupted, gas builds up in the intestines, leading to bloating and discomfort.

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2. Delayed Intestinal Motility

When the movement of the stomach or intestines slows down — as seen in constipation or delayed gastric emptying — intestinal contents accumulate.

This not only increases gas retention but also leads to sensations of fullness, pressure, and abdominal heaviness.

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3. Visceral Hypersensitivity

Even with a normal amount of gas, people with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may feel bloated or distended due to heightened sensitivity in the gut.

This occurs when the brain overreacts to normal signals from the digestive tract, misinterpreting slight pressure as discomfort or pain.

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4. Muscle Coordination Dysfunction

Under normal conditions, when the stomach expands with food, the diaphragm relaxes and the abdominal wall gently contracts to accommodate the contents.

In some cases, particularly in functional dyspepsia, this reflex becomes reversed:

• The diaphragm contracts and pushes down,
• The abdominal wall loosens, resulting in a visible protrusion of the belly despite a modest meal.

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5. Microbiome Imbalance

An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to excessive fermentation and gas production.

A condition called SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a common cause, often producing significant bloating and discomfort even with small meals.

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6. Diet, Lifestyle, and Hormones

Eating habits such as fast eating, carbonated beverages, or high-FODMAP diets can increase bloating.

In women, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can also contribute to temporary abdominal distension.

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7. Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System

Digestive activity and gas elimination are regulated by the autonomic nervous system.

Chronic stress and anxiety can shift the balance toward sympathetic dominance, reducing intestinal motility.

Osteopathy offers techniques that help regulate the nervous system, easing symptoms of bloating.

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8. Diaphragm Release and Breathing Techniques

The diaphragm is key to both respiration and abdominal pressure regulation.

Tension or stiffness in the diaphragm can interfere with abdominal pressure balance and worsen bloating.

Osteopathic treatments include manual diaphragm release and guided deep breathing exercises to restore natural movement and pressure flow.

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9. Visceral Manipulation

Sometimes, abdominal bloating stems from restricted motion or poor positioning of internal organs.

Osteopathy uses visceral manipulation techniques — gentle, hands-on methods — to release tension and improve mobility of the stomach, liver, intestines, and other abdominal organs, helping reduce bloating and discomfort.

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In Conclusion

Bloating is a multifaceted issue involving not just digestion, but also muscular coordination, nerve regulation, and emotional states.

At our clinic, we take a whole-body osteopathic approach, addressing structural, neurological, and functional imbalances to support your natural healing potential.

If you’re struggling with persistent bloating, we invite you to reach out and experience the benefits of osteopathy.

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#Kyoto #Kyoto Osteopathy Center #Osteopathy #Chiropractic #Pain

#Numbness #Paralysis #Posture #Walkin #AbdominalBloating #GasRetention #AutonomicNervousSystem

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Sota Omura,
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