Holiday rumblings? Isabelle Guzman shares how-tos for loving and rubbing your belly.

When I was growing up, there was a statue of the Buddha in our house that sat on a little table by the front door. The look on his face was one belonging to a mirthful muse. He didn't seem to be the least bit ashamed of his prominent, naked belly that spilled forth from loose robes, and my mother used to tell me to rub the statue's belly for good luck. These days, my impression of that sacred, anatomical area of my body, namely my gut, has come full circle. In a culture that glorifies physical perfection via anatomically incorrect body proportions, it's not easy to look down without feeling just a little bit guilty for eating yet another round of homemade fudge at the holiday office party. Some of us have stretch marks from childbirth, others bear scars from various surgical procedures, and eventually we all lose the youthful elasticity of our skin as we age. Let's face it: we've come a long way from the time of Renaissance artwork that depicts nude, reclining women with soft, round bellies and secretive smiles. And when was the last time you watched a woman swoon over a man's impressively rotund and hair-carpeted beer gut?

We should pay more attention to our bellies, but in more ways than just the aesthetic. In our abdominal cavity we hold not only vital organs but also an intricate system of lymphatic pathways, nerves and energy channels. The chakra associated with the abdomen is the third chakra, or "solar plexus," which is defined as a large network of sympathetic nerves and ganglia located in the cavity behind the stomach, branching out to the abdominal viscera. In many cultures and practices, it's believed that in this area we hold emotional tension, stress, shame and trauma. According to some yoga and energy healing traditions, the third chakra is where our issues regarding power, self-esteem, self-image, vitality, will and responsibility reside. Think about it: everyone can relate to the uneasy sensation of having a "knot" in their stomach during times of worry or stress. Conversely, we have all experienced the euphoria of having "butterflies" when we fall in love or try something new and exciting.

One of the body's first lines of defense against invading pathogens that make us sick lies in our belly, in the mucosal membrane of the digestive tract (as well as the nasal passages and lungs). The body produces chemicals and mobilizes an army of white blood cells that identify and destroy invading pathogens, but when stress interferes with our chemical secretions, we become more susceptible to illness and disease. In Eastern tradition, the organs associated with the winter season are the kidneys, and the adrenal glands that regulate our stress responses sit atop the kidneys. Ironically, the holidays are a time of both overeating and stressing. It's challenging not to get caught up in the madness of holiday traffic, shopping, parties and expectations. Our digestive and nervous systems usually take a beating, but by simply devoting a few seconds to deep breathing when needed, we can inform our autonomic and limbic systems that everything is just fine.

It's essential to honor our bodies during hectic times by practicing self-care techniques that promote grounding and centeredness. One way to honor the body is by supporting circulation of lymph and blood by gently applying massage strokes to the belly. I enjoy a discreet belly rub over my clothing after a hearty meal, and each night before bed I have a "self-care" ritual that consists of prayer and meditation along with at least five minutes of abdominal massage. By using gentle strokes, the circulation of lymph and blood is improved, thereby assisting the movement of stagnation and improving the elimination of toxins. [See the sidebar below for more massage instructions.]

Using aromatherapy can improve the benefits of abdominal massage. Some common essential oils that are associated with the third chakra are: juniper, lavender, bergamot and rosemary. I have also used essential oils of ginger, neroli, black pepper, vanilla and other exotic scents that compliment the feminine aspect. A masculine blend might include fir, cedar, frankincense and sandalwood, to name a few. *

The holidays are a time of giving and receiving. By giving ourselves what we need, we can make the world a happier place. But, don't just stop at caring for your belly when you've got holiday rumblings. Be sure to pay attention to your midsection always. Who knows, rubbing your own belly may bring you good luck!

* Author's Note: I encourage the use of ethically manufactured essential oils rather than artificially fragranced products. Also, a carrier oil as a base is important so that the essential oils are buffered rather than applied directly to the skin. These include organic olive, grape seed, apricot kernel, avocado, jojoba, carrot seed and various nut oils--as long as you have no known allergies.

Belly Rub How-To

There are many ways to explore abdominal massage, but the simplest, easiest technique I have found is to rub around the naval in a clockwise motion, growing wider as your hands circle the entire area. Also, tapping, kneading and tugging the skin on your abdomen, between your ribcage and pelvic bones, is an excellent way to help circulate lymph and move toxins out of your tissues. If you feel pain or any unpleasant sensations during your massage, go easy or stop. In a culture of excess, more is not always better (lighter can be just as powerful, especially since the lymphatic channels-lie beneath the superficial layers of skin). The most important part of self-care massage is to breathe. Inhale the aromas of essential oils or the scents of your environment while using creative visualization techniques to relax deeply. Some common mental images are to picture a flowing river or waves in the ocean. Picture your thoughts being picked up and carried away by the water as you return to your breath. Mindful breathing for as little as two minutes or more will interrupt the "fight or flight" reaction and instill a sense of peace.

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Isabelle Guzman is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist for women. Her practice is in Asheville, NC, where she is grateful to observe the cycle of each glorious season. She can be reached by visiting www.isabelleguzman.com.