Belly Health and Mental Health

We all know that anxious minds lead to anxious stomachs.  In fact, science research on the mind/body connection has begun calling our bellies the “little brain”.  And the newest area of research on the little brain is leading science to ask a very important mental health question:  If the big brain can affect the little brain, then can the little brain affect the big brain?   

Americans just experienced one of our communal extended weekends of backyard eating/drinking.  What a great way to reconnect with friends and family, relaxation and sunshine.  But this also means when the work week begins, many of us may feel the mental results of our weekend bellies.  Even though we just had time off, many people may feel sluggish and less motivated.  The little brain affecting the big brain?   

Yoga explores the mind/body connection through the Chakras.  Yoga describes the chakras as 7 areas of the energetic body where energy enters and leaves.  If any of the 7 chakras become blocked, it can trigger physical, mental and emotional imbalances.  For example, after a weekend of belly indulgences, consider using yoga poses that move your solar plexus chakra to avoid feeling sluggish and unmotivated. Poses that gently twist the belly (such as revolved chair pose) and poses that compress the belly (like bow pose) are suggested. Self belly-massage is also a great option.  

Psychologists are also looking into therapies to improve communication between the gut and the brain.  What if we can get at mental health through our bellies?  

Did you notice that all of these gut/brain connections focus on gut health, not gut size?  The focus is on probiotics/bacterias, gut hormones, constipation/bloating, energetic blockages, gut nerves and their connection to the brain.  

The idea of connecting gut health and mental health feels both changing and changeable.  It feels empowering.  

Until next time, 

Laura  

Want more?

The Gut/Brain Connection (Johns Hopkins Medicine)

Yoga as Medicine? (yoga trail talks)

Gut Recovery: Re-energizing after vacation eating (yoga trail talks)