We all know that an uneasy mind leads to an uneasy stomach. In fact, scientific research on mind/body connections refers to our abdomen as the “small brain.” And the latest areas of research on small brains lead science to ask very important mental health questions. If a big brain can affect a small brain, can a small brain affect a large brain?
Americans have experienced one of our joint extension weekends of backyard food and drinking. What a great way to reunite with friends and family: relaxation and sunlight. But this also means that when the week of work begins, many of us may feel the mental consequences of our weekend belly. We just had a break, but many may find it dull and unmotivated. A small brain that affects the big brain?
Yoga explores the connection between the mind and body through the chakras. Yoga describes chakras as seven areas of the energetic body that enters and leaves. Blocking any of the seven chakras can cause physical, mental and emotional imbalances. For example, consider using yoga poses to move the solar plexus chakra after a weekend abdominal dul to avoid feeling relaxed or unmotivated. Poses that gently twist your belly (such as a rotating chair pose) and poses that compress your belly (such as a bow pose). Self-berry massage is also a great option.
Psychologists are also considering treatments to improve communication between the gut and the brain. What would you do if you could reach mental health through your stomach?
Have you noticed that all of these gut/brain connections focus on gut health, not gut size? The focus is on probiotics/bacteria, intestinal hormones, constipation/bloating, energetic obstruction, intestinal nerves, and connections with the brain.
I feel that the idea of connecting gut health with mental health is changing and easy to change. I feel it gives me strength.
Until next time,
Roller
Do you want more?
Gut/Brain Connection (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
Yoga as a medicine? (A story about yoga trails)
Intestinal recovery: Reactivation after eating vacation (yoga trail talk)
