Pay Attention to your Gut Feelings

RENEW Pay Attention to your Gut Feelings

by Lynell Cavner, Owner & Master Certified Bowen Practitioner, Lynell & Company

There’s something you should know that lies just below your belly button. This area of the body holds a lot of power when it comes to digestion and body functions.

Three major systems are housed here and are linked together by a special system that helps to create peace, balance, creativity, clear thoughts and joy in your life:

Enteric Nervous System — described as a “second brain.” It has the capacity to alter its response depending on factors as bulk and nutrient composition, as well as the ability of carrying reflexes and acting as an integrating center by reporting on mechanical and chemical conditions.

A mouthful, I know. Just know this: 50% of the body’s dopamine is developed here. This is your “joy hormone.” Ninety percent of the body’s serotonin is also developed here. This is your “happiness hormone.”

Digestive System — of course, what we eat and drink goes through this system; being broken down and absorbed and hopefully assimilated along the way. The motor neurons of the enteric nervous system control the churning of the intestinal contents.

Lymphatic System — The lymphatic system includes tissues, vessels and organs that move fluid throughout the body and fight infection. When excess plasma (the liquid portion of blood) collects in your body’s tissues, the lymphatic system collects it and moves it back into your bloodstream. Because about a third of the blood in the body circulates behind your belly button, the enteric nervous system’s sensory neurons assist the lymph system in maintaining the body’s fluid balance.

These systems are dependent on each other and yet can work separately. The vagus is the “link” between the gut, the heart and the brain. However, 90% of your vagus nerve health is dependent on gut health.

When you have a “gut” feeling, it’s the heightened sensing between the enteric system and the vagus system — it’s your greatest ally — the most intuitive part of you. So, pay attention.

Blood circulation, relaxation, detoxification, vitality and skin luster all may be improved and enhanced with manipulations in the belly region that affects these major systems and in turn affects every other organ in your body.

Don’t be afraid to push the greatest button you will ever push!