Kind Compass

As both a nurse and therapeutic sound practitioner, this connection is something I’ve seen repeatedly — not only in my clinical work, but in my own body too.

For years I struggled with severe stomach cramps. I remember how quickly my digestion would react when I felt nervous or stressed. If I had something important coming up, my stomach would tighten or cramp, and sometimes my body would react almost immediately.

Many people recognise this experience — when anxiety suddenly sends you running to the bathroom.

It’s far more common than people realise, and there’s a biological reason for it.

The Gut: Sometimes Called the “First Brain”

The gut contains its own complex network of nerves called the enteric nervous system, which constantly communicates with the brain.

Because of this, the gut is sometimes referred to as our “first brain.”

Around 90% of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood and wellbeing, is produced in the digestive system.

This is why our digestion is often one of the first systems in the body to react when we feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.

Many people also describe feeling intuition in their stomach — the familiar “gut feeling” we experience when something doesn’t feel quite right.

Our digestive system is deeply connected to our emotional and nervous system state

Why Stress Affects Digestion

When we feel threatened or stressed, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the fight-or-flight response.

During this state, the body prioritises survival instead of digestion.

Blood flow moves away from the digestive system and towards muscles and the heart. This can lead to symptoms such as:

• stomach cramps

• diarrhoea

• nausea

• bloating

• IBS flare-ups

For many people, the gut is one of the first places stress shows up physically.

The Vagus Nerve and “Rest and Digest”

One of the key connections between the brain and digestive system is the vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve helps regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the “rest and digest” state.

When the body feels calm and safe, this system supports:

• healthy digestion

• nutrient absorption

• hormone balance

• immune function

• repair and recovery

However, in modern life many of us spend long periods in a heightened stress response. Our nervous systems rarely get the chance to fully switch off.

How Sound Baths and Yoga Nidra Support the Nervous System

Practices such as Yoga Nidra and therapeutic sound work by guiding the body into a deeply relaxed state.

During a sound bath, instruments such as gongs, chimes, and drums create vibrations and frequencies that the body can feel as well as hear.

Many people notice:

• slower breathing

• reduced muscle tension

• a calmer mind

• deep physical relaxation

From a nervous system perspective, these states are associated with increased parasympathetic activity and improved vagal tone, helping the body move out of fight-or-flight and back into rest and digest.

When the nervous system settles, the body can return to a more balanced state — which for some people may also support digestive comfort.

Why I’m Passionate About This Work

After years working as a nurse and experiencing digestive symptoms myself, I became fascinated by the connection between the nervous system, stress, and physical health.

The body is incredibly intelligent.

When we’re overwhelmed, it often speaks through physical symptoms — and the gut is one of the most sensitive messengers.

Creating space for deep rest and nervous system regulation can be one of the most powerful things we do for our wellbeing.

This is why I’m passionate about sharing sound therapy and Yoga Nidra.

Sometimes the most healing thing we can do is simply allow the body the space to relax.

Experience a Sound Bath

If you’re curious about how therapeutic sound and deep relaxation may support your nervous system, you’re welcome to join one of my sound bath or Yoga Nidra sessions.

These sessions are designed to create a calm, supportive space where the body can fully unwind.

✨ You can view upcoming sessions or book a private session via my website.