15 Oct 5 WAys to Support Digestion
In the practice of Zenthai Shiatsu we work closely with the 5 Element framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). From that perspective our digestion relates to the element of Earth. The Earth element is associated with stability, support, nourishment, and digestion. Approaching digestion from this more holistic and energetic perspective gives us the opportunity to examine our lifestyle beyond simply the food we are choosing to eat (although of course that is important as well).
Below I have listed 5 different ways we might look at supporting and improving digestion in Zenthai Shiatsu. I hope they provide some valuable information and insights!
Eat slowly and consciously.
The energy needed to digest food is the same energy used to digest sounds, experiences, what your watching on your screen, etc. so in order to direct your digestive energy toward the food you’re consuming eat your food mindfully without the distractions of screens, tv, or work, and try to eat slowly, perhaps eating with chopsticks to encourage this.
Improve your breath and lower your stress
Our nervous system has two branches, the sympathetic and parasympathetic. When the parasympathetic branch is switched on we often call that a state of “rest and digest”. Meaning we digest our food best in this state. The main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system – the Vagus Nerve – largely controls the functioning of the digestive organs including triggering the stomach to secrete the stomach acids needed for food consumption. If you’re feeling stressed and experiencing heated emotions these secretions will be affected as well blood supply to your stomach (in turn disturbing your digestion). The breath is a powerful way to influence the nervous system and support the assimilation of food. Feel the abdomen extend on the inhalation and contract on the exhalation focusing on steady, comfortable breathing. One to way support your breathing is to sit tall with a long spine. You might like to try sitting back on your heels on a block/meditation stool to help find better posture and an added bonus is then you are actually placing the energetic channel of the stomach meridian which runs along the shin in contact with the energy of the earth and also pressing gently onto Stomach 36 – a powerful point to support digestion.
Eat according to the seasons
In winter we need to tonify Yin and in summer we need to tonify Yang. This means that in winter we’re looking to store and build energy, replenishing our reserves and in summer we need to activate and circulate energy, discharging those energy reserves. On a practical level this might simply look like eating local produce which will be naturally aligned to the season you’re in.
Stoke the Fire
There is a reason we call it the digestive fire. Digestion requires heat and warmth to function properly. If you’re struggling with digestive issues you might benefit from avoiding cold and frozen food and instead choosing warm and freshly cooked foods focusing on yellow and goldens foods such as squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, millet, corn, carrots, mung dal etc.
You might also avoid drinking cold water and opt for room temperature or even warm water and avoid drinking water at meal times which can dilute the stomach acids needed to digest your food and symbolically “put the digestive fire out”.
Eating Rhythm
Become mindful of when you are eating. According to the TCM clock the best time to eat your biggest meal is between 7am – 11am. Try not to eat too late too late into the evening/night. Eat at consistent and regular times with consistent and regular amounts.