So… When Is It TMI?

As a Yoga Therapist, you might be surprised at how often digestion comes up in conversation.

Not because I ask directly. (Although recently I said, “How have you been?” and a client gave me a funny look, they thought I’d asked, “Have you been?”).

The reason it comes up so often isn’t a coincidence. It’s all down to the gut–brain connection. Our brain and digestive system are constantly communicating through a network of nerves, including the vagus nerve, which is a key pathway of the parasympathetic, or “rest and digest,” system. This two way dialogue means stress can disrupt digestion, and digestive changes can influence mood, energy, and overall wellbeing.

When stress is high, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system, the “fight or flight” response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs, motility slows, and enzyme activity can change. Chronic stress can alter gut movement, increase sensitivity, and even shift the balance of gut bacteria. This is why conditions like bloating, irregular bowel habits, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often flare during stressful periods.

Yoga supports digestion by helping the nervous system feel calmer and safer. Many people notice improvements in comfort, motility, and overall digestive function as their body moves back toward balance. The gut is sometimes called the “second brain” because it contains millions of neurons and produces many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain, including serotonin. This is part of why our emotions and digestive health are so closely linked: noticing internal sensations and learning to respond without judgment can reduce gut hypersensitivity and support wellbeing.

Of course, understanding this connection is one thing applying it safely and effectively is another. In Yoga Therapy, practices are tailored to each individual’s nervous system, health history, and current capacity. Regulation cannot be forced; it has to be invited.

If you’d like to explore how this connection can be supported for you personally, a 1:1 session provides the space to dive deeper and create an approach that is truly individual.

Naomi Hurst