Yoga for Gut Health

Did you know you have a second brain? It is located in your gut! Your stomach and brain are connected by the vagus nerve, which helps to regulate blood pressure, heart rate and of course, digestion. The second "brain" is known as the enteric nervous system. Granted, this little brain cannot mindfully drive a car or brush your teeth like the brain in your head, but this system helps with digestion. Gut health is super important because the gut holds 70% of the body's immune cells and 90% of the body's serotonin, which is linked to emotional wellbeing.

A yoga flow focused on the gut can provide so many benefits. Certain poses provide stimulation to the digestive tract and help aid in improving the digestive system. Twists can be added to the yoga poses which feel like a massage to the organs and provide a detoxification to the body. As twists are added, the twists wring out all the toxins of the liver and kidneys. As you notice and acknowledge how those gut focused poses feel you increase the flow of blood cells which in turn increases more oxygen to that region of the body and can help with the healing of infections, any lingering gas, stagnant energy or other blockages.

As we flow, we focus on breathing. Our breath will always guide us through, without even having to think about it. Turning inward to focus on simply breathing will allow relaxation and bring you into the restful parasympathetic nervous system. In this state your body will naturally begin its healing processes, while restoring balance in the gut.

What you eat plays a huge part in your gut health. If you are not providing your gut with the correct foods and plenty of fluids, it can be hard for your body to process what you are putting into it. This is where mindfulness comes in because it takes a conscious effort to be mindful of what is best for your body and then use that knowledge to actually take care of yourself and maintain a healthy emotional and physical wellbeing.

I have put together a slow and gentle yoga flow that is gut focused.

*I do not recommend eating 30 minutes to an hour before practicing this flow*

Flow with me!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faBWCoC1czQ

This flow is dedicated to the non-profit, Rosa Lee Development Foundation. Rosa Lee was my grandmother who passed away too soon from colon cancer. This non-profit works to inspire and support those that are affected by colon cancer, by working within the community to help spread awareness and educate about preventative measures. Link to the non-profit is listed below and if you'd like to give to the cause, you can donate directly through the website.

https://rosaleedevelopmentfoundation.org/

This flow is focused on gut health and the digestive track. This flow is focused mostly on poses that provide stimulation and help aid in a healthy digestive system. By incorporating twists into your yoga practice, you will help improve your digestive function by providing fresh blood flow, fresh oxygen and nutrients. This provides a small detox of your digestive organs, helping to release any stagnant impurities or gas. Colon health awareness is important because after all, our gut is our second brain.

Healthy gut, healthy mind, healthy body.

Affirmation Offerings:

I am grateful for my body and all that it does for me.

I am finding my happiness and joy every day.

I am providing my body what it needs to stay healthy.

Thank you for taking your time to read through this post! I pray you gained some useful knowledge through the information shared and it inspires you to do your own research on gut health to start making mindful choices in order to have a healthier gut.

Namaste

Erika B.