ED 8 STOMACH DRIVER

Bottom Line: Digestion, Assimilation and Elimination

Anatomically, the Stomach Driver relates to the lining of your entire digestive tract, including the mouth, oesophagus, stomach and intestines. The energy field is generated by the wave-like motions of the digestive tract and by the many chemical reactions that occur as food is digested, absorbed and eliminated. Digestion begins in the mouth where enzymes start to break down food as we chew. Peristalsis, the rhythmic movement that propels foods through our gut, begins in the oesophagus as we swallow. The stomach holds and churns the food, mixing it with acid that initiates protein and fibre digestion. The acid in the stomach also helps to destroy unwanted bugs like nasty bacteria or parasites that may have come along for the ride. We also need adequate stomach acid to kick-start the digestive process in the small intestine, where most absorption occurs. The large intestine is primarily responsible for absorbing water and removing waste.

A healthy digestive system is a prerequisite for robust good health. When the digestive system is strong, food is easily converted into energy, the tissues are nourished and the debris is cleared away. In Chinese Medicine our “digestive fire” is seen as the spark that ignites the fires of metabolism throughout the body, keeping us warm, energised and in good health. Digestive strength is associated with muscular strength and stamina, a healthy immune system and good brain function. In NES research, we find that your stomach field is linked to your muscles, brain, heart and lungs, so we need to consider the potential impact of these connections when looking at this energy field. The digestive system and the muscles play an important part in regulating blood sugar for example – the digestive system by creating the fuel and the muscles by acting as a fuel store that can be released when blood sugar levels are low. Most of our immune system is stationed in the digestive tract and the friendly bacteria that live here have an important role in managing our immune response.

There is an intimate connection between the brain and the gut. The digestive tract has its own nervous system, producing neurotransmitters and other communicating chemicals, just like the brain. The vagus nerve runs between the two, with more signals going from the gut to the brain than vice versa. In fact your gut’s nervous system is so complex it is known as the “second brain”, saying much for how our gut is capable of sensing and communicating information to our higher brain centres. There is a special link between the stomach and the frontal lobes of the brain which governs skills such as intellect, learning, creativity, personality and emotional expression. If you are finding it hard to process a life situation, consider how this could relate to your digestive function. When we think of the interactions between the gut brain, the immune system and the digestive process, Stomach Driver may be helpful in any number of complicated and systemic health issues, including autoimmune diseases and allergies. In many ways we could say that all disease begins in the gut, so it is important to consider the Stomach Driver and its connections with any health issue.

Issues: With the pollution of our air, land and seas, we cannot avoid taking in contaminants that are detrimental to the health of our lungs and digestive system – the two primary routes for bringing energy into the body. Everything that comes into the digestive tract has to be checked and dealt with. The cocktail of foreign chemicals and contaminants within our food chain can infiltrate the lining of the intestines, breaking down digestive function and overwhelming the gut’s immune and detoxification systems. This is a huge trigger for inflammation and all the health issues that are associated with this process. We also need to consider how we eat, eating on the run or over-eating can put a heavy load on our digestive system. Stress inhibits digestion and absorption (the ESR Infoceutical can be helpful here).

ACTION: Nourish your Gut.

Questions: Eating on the go? Eating too much of the wrong food? Am I nourishing myself in mind and body? What could my gut instinct be telling me? What am I finding hard to stomach right now? Also think about how digestion is linked to energy, muscle stamina, immunity and brain function.

Go For It:

Warming foods help to kindle digestive fire.

Avoid eating when stressed. Take a deep breath before you eat, chew your food slowly and well. Focus on the process of eating and enjoy your meals.

Clean up your diet – organic (fewer pesticides and heavy metals), avoid plastic wrappings, highly processed foods, food additives, food colourings.

Your practitioner can work through a healthy eating and lifestyle plan to support your digestive system.

STOMACH DRIVER INFOCEUTCAL: The Stomach Driver Infoceutical helps to energise all aspects of digestion, absorption and elimination. It can help to remove toxic chemicals from the lining of the digestive tract, encourage friendly bacteria to thrive and support a healthy appetite. More widely you can use it to improve muscle stamina, brain function and immunity. It may be particularly helpful with remedying long-term breathing issues and chest infections. You may also notice improvement in the quality of your skin, hair and nails. A great all-round remedy if you are feeling lacklustre and have lost your appetite for life.