Release the Belly Shame

My patients are often surprised when I ask them to release the belly shame as part of their IBS treatment. Why do this? There is a propensity in this population to “suck in the gut” which physiologically leads to increased nervous tension, abdominal guarding, and probably will be proven one day to be a contributing factor in diarrhea and/or constipation that is chronic.

The second brain (the gut) is being told to “hold”. I learned this exercise through Katy Bowman that is helping some of my patients manage their IBS (and SIBO). I combine this with some other things that support releasing tension.

Love your belly ….even if it makes funny sounds and has not been cooperative. Fighting it and resisting it won’t really support it back to health.

Here are some guidelines on Abdominal Release adapted from the great work of Katy Bowman.

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