Yoga for a Healthy Gut
with Christina Unger, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Anyone who has felt butterflies in their stomach before a big event or had rumblings and pain in
their belly before a test or interview realizes that the gut and brain are in constant bidirectional
communication. Disruption in normal signals between the gut and brain can cause
hypersensitivity in the digestive tract that results in pain and “dis-ease”. Miscommunication
between the gut and brain disrupts motility and is a factor in the increased discomfort and
anxiety experienced by many patients with disorders of gut-brain communication (DGBIs). The
constant stress of our fast-paced lives contributes to overstimulation of the sympathetic
nervous system that regulates the primitive but necessary fight or flight response. While
the sympathetic tone is increased by our habitual patterns, the activity of our parasympathetic
nervous system responsible for rest, digestion, and reproduction is reduced.
Join us for an exploration of common digestive issues and learn postures and breathing
techniques that will benefit the mind, body, belly, and microbiome!
Week 1: Benefits of Yoga for Maintaining a Healthy Gut
Week 2: What are Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction?
Week 3: Mindfulness and Breathing for a Healthy You
Week 4: The Gut-Brain-Microbiome Connection
Each session will have a 15 -20 minute discussion followed by yoga, breathwork, and relaxation.