There is a direct connection between our Gut and the Brain. Scientists today are referring to our Gut as "the second brain." For example, the very thought of eating can release the stomach's juices before food gets there. This connection goes both ways.
A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. The gut and brain have a steady ability to communicate via the nervous system, hormones, and immune system. Some of the microbiomes can release neurotransmitters, just like our own neurons do, communicating to the brain in its own language via the vagus nerve.
Ever get a gut feeling about someone or anxious butterflies in your stomach? That's because you have a second brain in your gut, according to Michael Gershon, M.D., author of The Second Brain (HarperCollins, 1999), and a neurobiologist at New York's Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center.
The "second brain" is in our stomach and it influences our moods, what we eat, the kinds of diseases we attract, as well as the decisions we make. And we thought it was all in our heads.
Practice this Qigong (Chi Kung) for "The Second Brain"
Good "Chi" cultivation starts with Intestine exercise & slow deep abdominal breathing. This practice should be done consistently for 21 days. It takes at least 21 days to create a new habit. Daily practice of intestine exercise and abdominal breathing will create a healthy new habit for your body, mind & spirit.
This practice will strengthen & detoxify your internal organs, kidneys, liver, spleen, stomach, small & large intestines. You will also burn fat and tighten your abdominal muscles.
Doing this exercise daily will also promote the smooth circulation of "Chi", a must for all energy training and "Chi" cultivation.
The ancient Masters have known for centuries, this connection between our Gut and Brain.
21 Days Chi Cultivation Exercise!
Do this Chi cultivation exercise for at least 21 days consistently. Intestine Exercise will strengthen & detoxify your internal organs. Dantien Breathing will bring awareness to breathe from your diaphragm and not your chest. Chi sensing will bring awareness to the chi sensations between your hands and throughout your body.
Benefits:
Intestine Exercise clears the mind and improves skin condition, as well as improving the condition of the intestines. Doing intestinal exercise can alleviate constipation and related disease.
The Principle of Intestine Exercise:
Healthy intestines are the foundation of a healthy body. Constipation occurs when the intestinal organs are not in good working condition, which produces toxic gas and weakens the function of all bodily organs. When an intestinal condition gets severe, it begins to affect the condition of the spine. Intestine exercise is literally done by moving the intestines. In this way, the exercise helps to remove feces long contained in the intestines. It facilitates the intestinal organs to regain their original natural rhythmic movement.
Intestine Massage:
Gently rub your abdomen clockwise in a circular motion, massaging your intestines with your palms. Rubbing and massaging the abdominal area helps to improve the function of the digestive system and also helps to remove old fecal matter.
Note - The Video guides you to do Intestine Exercise 100 times. Do not force yourself, do whatever you can, at your own pace, even if it's only 10 times. But do 10 times as often as you can during the day. Drink plenty of water and flush the toxins out of your body. For those who can do 100 times consistently for 21 days. Please know, that is not the limit, you can keep going to 200 or 300 times. Doing this exercise will strengthen and detoxify your internal organs, improve circulation, digestion, and elimination. Your internal system will become much stronger and you will feel great. You may even lose weight and a few inches off your waistline.
Warning - Be careful not to breathe harshly while doing this exercise, you don't want to hyperventilate. If you find yourself getting light-headed or dizzy, stop and breathe naturally. Breathe naturally if you can, focus more on the pulling in of the abdomen as if not breathing, then release the abdomen and count as you go.
Remember - Pull in, let go. Yin/Yang.
What is Dantien?
Dantian or energy center is a place of focus for grounding and centering ourselves. The lower dantien is located about 3 finger widths below and 2 to 3 finger-widths behind your navel. They are 3 dantiens (energy centers) within our body.
What does it mean to be centered?
In Tai Chi and Chi Kung (Qigong) terms, it means having energy in the center of the body. The center is called Dan Tian, it's a place of focus and a place to store energy. Think of the dantian as a reservoir and a place of inner strength. The lower dantian is located in the lower abdomen between the navel and the pubic bone, it corresponds to the physical functions of digestion, elimination, and reproduction. Psychologically it functions by giving us a sense of stability and balance. It is also a source of power for physical energy, sexual vitality, and inner power.
When a person is connected to their lower dantien center, not only do they have more physical energy and vitality, but they are also more stable emotionally. Imagine if stress and life’s continual ups and downs didn’t affect or throw you off balance. Imagine not feeling pushed and pulled off balance by the people in your life, from work relationships to family relationships. When you are centered, these challenges don’t negatively affect you. By having energy in the center, we become much more resourceful.
How to Practice Dantien Breathing
Place your hands on your lower abdomen. For men, the left hand is below the navel and the right hand is on top. For women, the right hand is below the navel and the left hand is on top. The tip of your tongue should be touching the upper palate.
Focus your mind on your breath. As you inhale feel the lower abdomen filling and expanding with air. As you exhale, feel the abdomen emptying and contracting. Continue watching and controlling your breath. Breathe slowly and deeply for at least 9 slow deep breaths. Learn to smile with each exhaling breath. Relax, breathe slowly & deeply, concentrate your mind and feel the "Chi" in your dantien.
Intestinal Bacteria Affects Mental Health.
Digestive Health:
As one of the core health-promoting components in the human body, the digestive system is a combination of organs that converts food to nutrients needed for growth, energy, and repair, and its importance cannot be overstated. We often search for solutions to help alleviate various ailments in the body, but many health challenges begin in the digestive system.
Learn natural ways to cultivate "Chi", reduce stress & anxiety, focus and calm your mind!
