Does holding your stomach reduce pain

[Takemebackto]

I’ve noticed many people do this when they have a stomach ache. Does this actually reduce pain?

Depends on what is causing the pain I guess...

I just wouldn’t have thought that anything that’s internal causing stomach pains would reduce by someone holding their stomach.

Human touch has been shown to release endorphins and thus reduce pain, so yes.

It can be comforting which will help how you feel about the pain.

You could say the same about any pain, people rub or rest their hand on their forehead when they get a headache for example, it’s just a natural self soothing reaction to pain on any part of the body.

Patients are given pillows (or big stuffed animals if they are young) after certain surgeries to hold against their stomachs when they cough.

Yes, it can be comforting. Plus heat can ease pain too.

If you have a bit of a tummy, holding it takes the strain off the greater omentum, which can ease pain.