Liz Seal Holistic Massage
An average person eats around 500kg of food per year and converts what we need into energy to enable us to move, breathe, build, repair and generally function. All waste produce is then excreted. Our digestive system is an incredible piece of engineering, but as with any complex structure, things can go wrong! Ongoing or chronic discomfort may have a variety of causes, and some investigation may be needed. Always seek the advice of a health care professional if you have concerns.
Treating the more common place symptoms can be effective once we understand what can cause the problem. Indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea and IBS are all conditions which we can takes steps to ease.
Indigestion (Dyspepsia) is a common complaint, and symptoms can include heartburn, flatulence, abdominal pain and nausea. Allergies, the wrong foods, eating too quickly or eating too much can cause indigestion. It can also be associated with stress, anxiety or emotional tension. Assess your diet to see if there are any food triggers. Try to eat slowly and take notice of your body; when you feel full stop eating! Gentle exercise can be beneficial. Eating at a table rather than slumped on the sofa and wearing comfortable clothes will allow your digestive system room to process your food.
Constipation is a condition where the normal rhythm of the digestion breaks down, resulting in discomfort, tiredness and feelings of bloating. Maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of wholegrain foods, fresh fruit and vegetables and drinking plenty of fluid can prevent that ‘bunged up’ feeling. There are a range of over the counter remedies; in my opinion these should be used sparingly. Regular, smaller meals and exercise will help.
Diarrhoea is the opposite problem, and may be accompanied by nausea, cramps, vomiting and fever. The causes of diarrhoea may be stress, anxiety, food poisoning or sudden dietary changes. These should always be taken seriously. Avoid dairy produce and keep the diet simple during an attack. Bed rest may be needed. If the attack occurs when away from home make sure you only drink bottled water and avoid any foods which may have been washed in tap water (salads, fruit, etc).
IBS is a condition with a wide range of symptoms, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, stomach pain, colic and flatulence are common. Stress, allergies and too little fibre in the diet can all contribute. Assess your diet in line with the severity of the flare up. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables, while avoiding wheat, caffeine and alcohol can reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Having a ‘gut feeling’ about a situation is a valid message from our early-man self, maybe we need to learn to listen to our bodies more effectively?
Relaxation exercises, massage, yoga and meditation can be beneficial for most acute digestive issues. Aromatherapy oils such as Peppermint, Ginger, Black pepper and Lavender have been shown to relieve the severity of symptoms and can promote a healthy and balanced digestion. Add a total of 4 drops of your chosen oils to 10ml of carrier oil and massage in a gentle, clockwise direction into the abdomen. For more information or to book a consultation contact me.