Tension in Lower Abdomen

It's important to honor gut feelings before making a decision. The "uh-oh" gut feeling we experience whenever we're about to make a risky decision actually affects circulation to your digestive organs. Butterflies in the stomach naturally cause tightening of surrounding musculature, including those muscles attached to the pelvic floor, literally cramping and constricting space for digestion. Relaxation of these muscles will bring a greater sense of calm and ease to the gut area. Ayurveda places great emphasis on stress and anxiety management. Yoga, breathing techniques, prayer, and meditation all help to restore calm.

• Do you notice butterflies or anxiety in your stomach when stressed?
• Do you feel any tension in the muscles above the pubic bone?
• Does your stomach feel comfortable and at ease?
• Do you feel strong enough to honor your personal space and boundaries when threatened?

Burning Above Belly Button

A burning sensation above the belly button correlates to diarrhea pre-dominant IBS. In addition to diarrhea, other common symptoms include pain, bloating, urgency, and urinary incontinence. This condition is called "Pitta Grahani" in Ayurveda and "Liver Invading the Spleen" in Chinese medicine. Tension in the solar plexus area may cause food to move too rapidly out of the stomach. Lack of coordination with the pancreas and pancreatic insufficiency may lead to an inability to neutralize stomach acids, causing irritation and burning in the upper GI. There may be an excess release of bile from the liver. The pre-dominant emotions leading to diarrhea pre-dominant IBS are shame, envy, and anger.

• Do you have a history of habitual change, or an experimental or alternative lifestlye?

When Kapha dosha attacks digestion to symptoms of nausea or heaviness. Wheat, dairy, oily, and rich foods aggravate this condition. In Pitta type, chronic inflammation anywhere in the body, anemia and infection can weaken the digestive fire.