Why we can hold trauma and pain in our stomachs?

I was inspired to write this article after a student on our WhatsApp group asked how one may store trauma and pain around the abdominal area. Only a a short answer could be given and I reassured the group that a more extensive answer would be delivered. Here it is!

Esoteric wisdom has persisted in its view that the navel centre is the focal point of energy in the body. From Yoga,Qi Gong to Martial Arts and other practices have all recognised the importance of infusing the centre  of our bodies with the energy of life. The abdomen and the organs are infused with the breath of life to regulate the energy and blood of the entire body.

In Oriental Medicine in particular, the role of the Dantien was recognised by the ancients; the area around the navel as a powerful storehouse of energy  that can treat virtually any illness.

Japanese acupuncturist, Mubunsai, a Buddhist monk in the 1600s, attesting to the fact that examining and treating the abdomen is sufficient to cure 9 out of 10 diseases. Todo Yoshimasu, a prominent 18 century physician who developed abdominal palpation as a key diagnostic tool confirmed this by affirming that the abdomen is the source of life and therefore the myriad of diseases have their roots there. This reminds me of a key Ancient Daoist saying, ‘when you are sick, do not seek treatment. Find the core-the centre- the source and you will be healed’.

Yogic traditions named the solar plexus or third Chakra area- Manipura, which is derived from two Sanskrit words; mani meaning ‘jewel’ and pura meaning ‘city’. Manipura literally means ‘city of jewels’. In the Tibetan tradition this chakra is known as Mani Padma, which means ‘jewelled lotus.’  Manipura is an important centre of dynamism, energy, willpower and achievement and is often compared to the dazzling heat and power of the Sun. In the same way the Sun continually radiates energy to the planets, Manipura chakra radiates and distributes pranic energy throughout the entire human framework, regulating and energising the various activities of organs, systems and processes of life. It is often referred to  as the origin point where 72,000 naadis or channels  which conduct our vital energy to all parts of our physical and subtle bodies.  For Yogic traditions too, the Manipura chakra is indeed the centre of prana within the human framework; it is the centre of the incredibly complex network of subtle energy that permeates and controls the body from behind the scenes.

Reflecting on a Client I met with Crohn’s disease which is a lifelong condition where part of the digestive system becomes inflamed. Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach aches. cramps blood in your poo, tightness and weight loss. According to nhs.uk causes are unknown with possible genetic links, problem with  one’s immune system, smoking, previous stomach bugs or abnormal balance of gut bacteria. Interestingly, the condition was first named after Dr Crohn who first described it in 1932 saying ‘many gastric and intestinal elements were the result of anxiety, stress or neurosis rather than actual organic disorder’. Ayurveda views such conditions as an accumulation of toxins in the gastrointestinal track. Food intolerance, heavy foods and an unstable nervous system serve as an amplifier. (ayurveda-badems.com) While Dr Gabor Mate makes the significant connection between the two, affirming a  ‘correlation between stress, the nervous system and digestive health are triggers’.As a Crohn’s patient mentioned, “Crohn’s is more than a part of my body: it was related to my thoughts, my mood, my behaviour, and my lifestyle.”

For Ayurveda too, the digestive system is of key importance for ones health because poor digestion is the basis of disease.Digestion is a reflection of the ability to digest and assimilate everything including thoughts. Thus, the centre determines the health of both our body and mind. The centre, manages the digestive process and and organs and also influences the nervous system and immune process. Tension in the abdominal area interferes with the function of all the abdominal organs, decreasing vitality and general health. As Yogi Bhajan beautifully confirms this by stating,“The Navel point is the creative nucleus of your potency”.

Likewise in  Traditional Chinese Medicine, the stomach works closely with the Spleen Meridian to perform digestion and absorption. Together, the two meridians are called acquired foundation, in that they lay the foundation of digestive health for the body.

It is interesting to note that just as each Chakra is affected by specific emotional and psychological issues. Their locations are parallel to the bodies neuro endocrine-immune system and form a link between our energy anatomy and physical anatomy

Henry Dreher, author of Mind-Body Unity: A New Vision for Mind-Body Science and Medicine, John Hopkins University Press, 2003, points to a very large body of research showing that women who have experienced sexual abuse are significantly more likely to develop gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome  (IBS). There is a remarkable correlation between the traditional location of the seven major chakras and the actual location of the Endocrine glands in the physical body.

All modalities confirm the navel centre as our physical centre of gravity. We know that the area around the solar plexus is a nerve hub that sends signals between the gut and the brain. After the brain it is the gut that  has the most neurons and is commonly known as the second brain.

It is also believed to be  the place where the subconscious mind roots its self in the physical body.  We are all familiar with the connection between our emotions and for example our relationship with food. If we are feeling sad we may eat too much or too little. It is through a range of  practices which include conscious Long deep breathing to the navel for example which allows one to start to process themselves.In Chinese shamanism, the mind is the spirit of your earth organs (spleen, stomach and pancreas) if you have been holding something too long in your mind, it will express itself in the metal organ (lungs and large intestine) because  earth gives birth to metal.

Yogic practices which involve pumping the navel are well known for their ability to generate energy, heal internal organs and clear the subconscious mind.Supporting an opening of the channels that conduct our vital energy to all parts of our physical bodies. At the same time aiding digestion and keeping one young. A practice well known to Kundalini Yoga, called Sat Kriya involves rhythmic contractions and relaxation of the navel  which produces waves of energy. Through the pumping action a lot of heat is created which produce waves of energy, blood flow is increased, supporting circulation around our vital organs. The heart is strengthened and our cardiovascular health is improved supporting a toned nervous system. All of this becomes possible as we ignite the element of fire at our navel centre.“ As Guru Dharam beautifully states,”when we vibrate at our physical centre of gravity, there’s a ripple effect, the whole body oscillate and vibrates”. The breathing technique known as Breath Of Fire or Bastrike in Sanskrit, when performed is said to consume the dross and debris of the mental and physical body thereby purifying the spirit. Ayurveda’s ‘Agni’; digestive fire refers to this inner heat for supporting  not only digestion but also the ability to ‘digest’ ones emotion’s and intellectual experiences as well. BOF, is also known as a Tapas practice, a Sanskrit word meaning-‘ to burn’ ; a purification practice to clear, cleanse and refine the energies that gather at the centre of the body. The Third Chakra after all is the seat of the fire element and therefore holds the energy for transformation and healing. Interestingly in Esoteric Wisdom, Fire relates to South; South relates to transformation.

We can see how Prana emanates from and is regulated and transformed at the Naval Centre.

According to Guru Rattana to transform and break old habits and make new ones, we need the faculties of focus and attention available at the third and six chakras. The naval Centre and the third eye are the command centes of habit. There are two points we stimulate in Kundalini Yoga, the pituitary and the navel point. The naval point is the most active part of the entire body. The third eye is the gland that rules the whole glandular system.

In ‘The little Book of Hara’  by Peter Wilberg; he speaks about a ‘man with the centre’ and the power of intuition that comes from centering consciousness and breathing in the self-in hara. Hara refers to the lower abdomen or ‘basket’ the ‘inner compass’ ….the ‘centre of energy’. Wilberg, believes that Hara is our natural sense of gravity and the natural centre of consciousness. “When we connect to hara, we overcome the dualism of thought and feeling, reason and emotion, head and heart”.

Our bodies after all let us know what feels good and ‘right’ and what doesn’t. Illness is often a sign that we are somehow off track from our life’s purpose. That is why Dr Bernie Siegel says. ‘Illness is God‘s reset button’. It is written in the ancient texts-‘ all yoga starts at the naval’, the centre of energy transformation in the body. The navel chakra is well known as a centre of physical well-being. After all, acupuncture point, CV8;‘Spirit Gate’, is the focal point of energy in our body, which life is given, sustained and taken away. Our “Dantien is the mother, the source, our best medicine, the Trinity”,Master Zhongxian Wu.

Glossary:

Agni- ‘digestive fire’ -stimulation of ones digestive organs through both exercise and foods,

Ayurveda- ancient Indian holistic medicine focusing on creating balance of body, mind and spirit through diet, herbal remedies, yoga and oil massage—to prevent disease and promote longevity.

Breath Of Fire- breathing technique involving rapid, rhythmic nasal breathing that boosts energy, strengthens core muscles, and improves focus.

Chakra- wheels of light or energy that regulate life force (prana).

Dantien-  often refers to the Lower Dantian, located roughly two inches below the navel.

Hara-  a term used in yoga and Eastern philosophy, referring to the lower abdomen (roughly two inches below the navel), considered the physical and energetic centre of the body—the seat of life force (Ki/Qi/Prana).

Mantra- sacred sound.

Mudra- sacred and symbolic actions used to channel the body’s "prana" (life force) and influence physical, mental, and spiritual energy.

Palpate- the therapeutic assessment technique of using hands and fingers to touch, feel, and apply gentle pressure to a client’s tissues.

Prana- life force energy

Sat Kriya-  a foundational practice in Kundalini Yoga exercise that combines mudra, mantra ("Sat Nam"), and rhythmic pumping of the navel to stimulate energy, improve physical health, and strengthen the nervous system.

Trinity- consisting of mind, body and soul; the Triad, holding the energy of stability.

References:

Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy, 2009~Cyndi Dale.

Personal Notes from Yoga Therapy Training -‘Kundalini Medicine’, ~2020-2024~with Guru Dharam

‘Mind-Body Unity: A New Vision for Mind-Body Science and Medicine’-John Hopkin University Press 2003~Henry Dreher

Women's Bodies,Women's Wisdom: The Complete Guide To Women's Health And Wellbeing, 2009~Christiane Northrup

The Inner Art of Kundalini Yoga,2019~Guru Rattana

A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya,2004, Swami Satyananda Saraswati

The Little Book of Hara, 2011~ Peter Wilberg

Five Needles Qigong by Master Zhonqxian Wu