How to Flatten Your Stomach
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Your stomach and you
Isn’t it strange how much we think about our stomach and, yet how much we neglect it? Whenever we have overseas guests, their first question is, “Do you boil your drinking water ?” Some request for vegetarian meals since they are not sure whether ‘Indian meat’ will agree with them. One friend cried off a dinner engagement because she had been “constipated all day”!
Our yogis in their infinite wisdom gave the stomach its due. They recognised it as the real centre of the body - a power-station from where all physical energy is distributed. They called it the seat of the ego, of ambition. And it follows, that our minds radiate emotions which have a direct hot-line to our tummies. When we are worried, our stomach tightens, Acute fright can loosen bowels, extreme bitterness brings up bile. And a constant stressful situation can give rise to ulcers.
Often, the stomach reacts strongly to situations when we deny to ourselves, or are unaware that we are under some crushing pressure. Take Shivani’s experience as an example. A workaholic, six-months divorced, she found herself feeling dizzy and faint when ever she sat down for a meal. Finally, she consulted a doctor whose first question after examining her, was, “Are you under any kind of stress?” Strangely, Shivani had begun - or so she thought - to feel comfortable at the idea of being single. She was even enjoying her independence - the fact that she was answerable to nobody. Her new apartment had become “a haven of peace.” Naturally, her answer was, “No.” Her tests showed no physiological symptoms. The doctor was puzzled. But, if you notice, Shivani did not reveal to the physician that she worked long hours, even on weekends, that she had walked out on her husband a year ago. Her inability to admit her situation made her literally swallow her fears and insecurities. She was living in a constant state of tension and battling to overcome it. She had, perhaps, managed to ‘convince herself that everything was fine, that she was adjusting to her new status. But those Suppressed fears were erupting elsewhere - from her stomach. So, when she sat down for a meal, she could not even pick at her food and would, Instead, feel dizzy and faint.
Yes, indeed, our emotions can play havoc with our health. Our stomach is like a barometer or even more aptly, like an alter-ego, a second self that reacts vociferously where we suppress our real emotions.
And the reason we suppress our feelings is because we fear we will lose control.
It is this fear of losing control that aerobic exercising addresses itself to. As we have said in our earlier chapters, the vigorous rhythmic activity, the toning up of muscles, the releasing of hormones brings back a natural order to an unnatural disorganised condition.
By Alien Goms
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