Bodywork demonstration · With Judith Sullivan

The eight-pointed star: abdominal awareness

Video · 4:39

I picture an eight-pointed star when I work around the abdomen. Each line gives me a direction back toward the navel, and each pass is a chance to notice what is under my hands.

Following the star

I start at the solar plexus and move toward the navel. From there I work around the ribs, waist, hips and lower abdomen, returning toward the center. The drawing in the video helps make the sequence clear.

As I move, I feel for the landmarks instead of making an identical stroke everywhere. The waist and the area around the hip feel different. The shape of the person guides the work.

Two ways of using the pattern

The first demonstration includes deeper abdominal work. Then I show a much more superficial version, using slower movements and waiting for a breath at the end of a pass.

The pattern is the same, but the quality of touch changes. I finish by reminding you that the variation depends on what is needed. A diagram gives us a starting point; attention to the person matters throughout.

For more background on my approach to the abdomen, watch the organs video. It explains what I mean by the roots and attachments of the organs.

The video includes deep abdominal pressure. Watch it as a demonstration, not a recommendation to reproduce that pressure on yourself or someone else. Seek qualified guidance before abdominal work, particularly during pregnancy, after surgery or with abdominal symptoms.

Notes adapted from Judith’s spoken demonstration. Watch the video for the full explanation.