Most people do not like the feeling of being constipated or having diarrhea. And often most people are uncomfortable talking about it. But, in our society, it is a familiar body dysfunction.
When your digestion is working properly, you may have a bowel movement (BM) after each meal. That can be at least three a day! Some people are lucky if they get one a day. The local drug store is filled with over-the-counter medicine to help this problem in the bathroom. There has got to be a better answer.
I was first exposed to visceral(organ) work with the founders of the Institute of Physical Art (IPA), Gregg & Vicky Johnson. Inspired by another physical therapist Kent Keyser, senior faculty of the IPA, I started taking courses with the Barral Institute.
The founder of the Barral Institute, Jean-Pierre Barral, has opened my eyes to the deeper layers of the human body. Through the Barral Institute, I have taken several courses from Gail Wetzler and Dee Ahern. Also, I have studied many texts written by Jean-Pierre Barral. I love and recommend reading his book "Understanding The Messages Of You Body".
Dr. Barral says, "An organ in good health has physiological movement." Our digestive organs can become healthier by the foods we eat. If you are otherwise healthy, your diet can help with a good bowel movement. Eat more fiber (figs), fruits, and leafy greens and cook and chew well your beans, peas, cabbage, onion, artichokes, mushrooms and leeks. Also, the more you move your body, the more you can stimulate your digestive organs.
Our intestines are 26 feet long in coils. The intestines works together with the other digestive organs and are able absorb useful nutrients for the health of the body.
A tight and tense abdomen is a sign that the digestive system is not working properly and it may cramp. Also, morning tiredness that goes away as the day goes on could also be a sign of the intestines not functioning properly according to Dr. Barral. Also, when there is tension or gas in the intestine it makes it more challenging for the breathing muscle, diaphragm, to do its job. This can cause burping or heart burn. Also,when the small intestines gets irritated and cannot do its job, the large intestines must finish digesting the food causing a release of gases and causes flatulence. It also makes it uncomfortable to wear belts or tight clothing around our waist.
Constipation can become an obsession. When the fecal matter does not eliminate and hardens, it can cause problems for circulation of blood and lymphatics. It is true, if you miss your "window of opportunity" for a bowel movement, constipation can set in.
Dr. Barral explains that activity will "stir" the contents of the intestines. Deep breathing can "massage" the intestines. He explains that dysfunction to the lumbar spine or tail bone can cause intestinal problems. Dr. Barral also recommends relaxation to help the intestines.
Here is where the hoola hoop comes in! The rhythmical repetitive motion of the hoola hoop over the abdomen can have many benefits. Hooping movement "massages" the abdomen and allows the mind and body to relax while exercising. Hooping also stimulates the core and postural muscles. This can help with back problems. In addition, increasing your hooping time can become a cardiovascular workout. This will help your breathing. What a fun way to get so many health benefits without leaving your home.
Jodi Jainchill PT, CFMT
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