Ball Of Fire In Yog

"Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding disease or fighting it"- Heather Morgan.

Stomach, gut or digestive system is the power house of our body which burns down the food to generate fuel. Like any other machine it needs a thorough cleaning from time to time, especially to clear the clogged pipes. This cleaning is done by detoxification.

Today, gastronomical/abdominal problems are one of the most common health issues. The most common reasons are psychometric such as nervousness, stress, tension and strain. These problems are results of defective digestion and absorption of toxins.

When we talk in terms of energy system of the body, it is the Manipura Chakra that comprises of the stomach, lower back, Adrenals and surrounding areas. This chakra is associated with element ‘fire’. The food is broken down and assimilated here. 

It is this act which gives us energy. An upset stomach shows altered mood- irritability, lethargy, tiredness and weakness both mental as well as physical resulting in lack of concentration, fear and self-doubt. On the contrary, an active stomach results into energetic mind and body both. The Manipura Chakra area is the core of our body. If the core is good, one can do anything.

It is said that only a healthy core can make up a happy mind and only a happy mind can generate positive thoughts. And positive thought is a store house of creativity, hard work, determination and innovation.

To strengthen this core one needs to eat right, workout right, think right, sleep right and be right for which following steps need to be followed:-

1. This is first time in the history of mankind that more people are dying because of over-eating than the malnutrition. Due to availability of food in abundance it is easy to fall into your cravings. In order to fight back the craving you should be able to give in first. 

If you want to eat something just for the taste, have a small portion of it and savour it. You will realise your craving is just for that one bite, rest of it you finish up to just empty your plate. As far as possible you should go for home cooked food which you can alter according to your own needs. Oil used outside is cooked again and again which is not good for you. Crash diets are never good for your body in long run.

2. Today, there are many workout routines that you can follow in order to reduce that extra pound. Yogasanas like Navasana, chaturdandasana and Trikonasana are some postures which help reduce inches around the belly. Yoga is one such regime which not only reduces weight but also makes you feel more energetic and raagas like deshkar,  bhimpalasi quadruple the effect.

3. Today stress is one of the root causes of many health issues- obesity, gastronomical problems and others. Our brain and abdomen have a direct connection. One of the very first indications of stress and tension is abdominal cramps. If you are able to manage your power house you are able to manage your stress to a very large extant.

4. Another important factor is the sleep pattern. A disturbed sleep cycle affects the abdomen severely. Too little sleep significantly decreases the good bacteria in your stomach which helps indigestion. Converse is equally true. 

According to Jamie Morea, beneficial bacteria in your gut can communicate with your brain via the vagus nerve, a cranial nerve extending from the brain-stem to the abdomen that serves as a communication superhighway for your microbial friends. 

It is this constant dialogue between your brain and your gut that can help you get the snooze you need. Your gut microbes can even lower the levels of cortisol, the notorious stress hormone that rears its head in times of anxiety and can keep you awake and anxious.

Your stomach is a central system that affects many other systems of your body. It is essential to take care of it. To improve your gut, start taking your daily dose of probiotics, make your daily exercise a daily routine, feed your good bacteria with asparagus, honey, apples and oats and keep stress at bay by involving yourself in some activity.