Shiatsu for digestive symptoms

Did you know your belly is your second brain?
The belly is our true centre which in Shiatsu is called the Hara. This is where digestion happens but our belly can do a lot more: It also contains a nervous system which scientists call the enteric nervous system or second brain. It exchanges information with our brain regularly, sending more information to the brain than the other way round. Wellbeing and discomfort, emotions and intuitions, joy and sorrow are all located in our belly. Our digestive health influences our mood and at the same time, negative emotions can cause symptoms in your stomach. So a healthy digestive system has a huge influence on our wellbeing. 

What digestive conditions can Shiatsu help?

• Crohn's Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Celiac's Disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What symptoms can shiatsu help?

• Bloating
• Digestive pain/cramping/discomfort
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Irregular bowel movements

A successful result for one of my clients suffering with chronic IBS.
“My IBS symptoms have gone as I don’t need to take the medication I was on anymore, thank you”. Lynn

Tips to reduce digestive symptoms
​
1. Don’t rush while you are eating
Stress can affect your digestion so eating in a relaxing and calm atmosphere activates the parasympathetic nervous system which releases the digestive enzymes and activates absorption. Eating on the go or regularly eat while doing other things at the same time activates the sympathetic nervous system, which inhibits the digestive functions.

2. Chew each mouthful thoroughly.
Chewing your food slowly helps to mix the food with saliva, activates digestive secretions and prepares the stomach for the next stage of the process. It also prevents feeling bloated and you will find that you actually eat less if you chew well.

3. Give your solar plexus a massage or receive a shiatsu massage
Massages are highly effective when dealing with digestive problems. The solar plexus is the energetic centre of the middle organs and upper digestive organs. Bad eating habits can cause the organs around the solar plexus to get clogged up by fats and toxins over time which can weaken the whole digestive system. The massage helps to activate the digestive energy. 

How to massage your belly: Using your finger tips, do a circular massage in the solar plexus area directly below the centre of the rib cage. Progressively penetrate deeper as you rotate 10-12 times. Repeat, rotating the massaging motion in the opposite direction. Try this circular massage after you wake up and before and after each meal.