The Gut–Brain Axis: CST Listen to the Connection Between Body and Mind

-Written by Cherry Cheung(RCST UK)

We often think of the brain as the body's command centre — the place where we think, make decisions, process emotions and respond to the world around us. Yet, there is another remarkable part of our body that plays an important role in how we feel and function every day: our gut.

Often described as our “second brain”, the enteric nervous system (ENS) is an extensive network of nerve cells woven throughout our digestive tract. It can regulate many digestive functions independently, while remaining in constant communication with the brain.

This connection reminds us of something important: our mental wellbeing and physical wellbeing are deeply intertwined.

The Gut–Brain Axis: An Ongoing Conversation Within Us

The gut and brain are connected through a complex, two-way communication network known as the gut–brain axis. Through the nervous system, hormones, immune signals and other pathways, they continuously exchange information, influencing digestion, stress responses, mood and our sense of wellbeing.

Perhaps you have noticed your stomach tightening when you feel anxious, your appetite changing during a stressful period, or your digestion becoming unsettled when life feels overwhelming.

You may also find that when you feel calmer and more settled, your body begins to soften and your digestion feels different.

These everyday experiences offer a glimpse into the close relationship between our gut, brain and emotional world.

When we experience ongoing stress, our nervous system can remain on high alert. This may affect our concentration, sleep, energy, emotional regulation and ability to manage everyday demands. For some people, stress also shows up through digestive discomfort, changes in bowel habits or a persistent feeling of tightness in the abdomen.

Sometimes, we notice these physical responses before we have found the words to describe what we are feeling. Our body may be responding to something long before our thinking mind has fully understood it.

Our Earliest Experiences Shape Our Relationship with the World

The foundations of our digestive and nervous systems begin developing very early in life. As we grow, these systems continue to mature, forming an intricate network that helps us respond and adapt to our environment.

Throughout life, our experiences can influence how our bodies respond to stress. When we repeatedly encounter pressure, uncertainty or emotional overwhelm, we may develop familiar patterns of tension, alertness or withdrawal.

Over time, we might become so accustomed to these patterns that we barely notice them. We may find ourselves holding our breath, tightening our stomach, clenching our jaw or feeling constantly on edge, even when there is no obvious reason to do so.

This does not mean that every physical symptom has an emotional cause, or that difficult experiences are necessarily stored in the gut. Digestive and emotional difficulties can have many contributing factors.

However, recognising the relationship between our physical sensations and emotional experiences can offer us another way to understand ourselves — with greater curiosity, rather than judgement.

What if, instead of asking our bodies to keep going, we began to listen to what they might need?

The Gut: A Place to Begin Listening

Our gut does much more than digest food. Through its close relationship with the brain, nervous system and immune system, it plays an important role in maintaining our internal balance. It is also a place where we may become aware of our emotional experiences.

A knot in the stomach. A feeling of heaviness. A flutter of nervousness. A sense of tightness that appears whenever life becomes too much. Rather than immediately trying to push these sensations away, we can gently pause and notice them.

What am I feeling right now?

What happens in my body when I feel worried, overwhelmed or unsafe?

Can I allow myself a moment to breathe, soften and be present with what is here?

We do not need to find an answer straight away. Sometimes, simply noticing what is happening within us is the beginning of a more compassionate relationship with our bodies.

Listening to the Gut Through CranioSacral Therapy

In my CranioSacral Therapy practice, I offer a quiet, supportive space where you can slow down and reconnect with your body.

Through gentle, non-invasive touch and attentive presence, we create an opportunity to notice physical sensations, breathing patterns and areas of tension without needing to force anything to change.

For some people, this may bring greater awareness of how stress is experienced in the abdomen, chest, shoulders or other parts of the body. With time and a sense of safety, they may find it easier to recognise their own responses to stress and explore what helps them feel more settled and supported.

CranioSacral Therapy does not directly manipulate the gut–brain axis. Rather, it offers a gentle, supportive approach that may help with relaxation, body awareness and reconnecting with yourself.

For me, the heart of this work lies in creating a space where your body does not have to be pushed, fixed or hurried — a space where you can simply be met with gentleness and care.

Sometimes, we have spent so long managing our thoughts, meeting responsibilities and trying to keep everything together that we lose touch with what is happening within us.

In the stillness of a CranioSacral session, you are invited to pause. To notice. To breathe. To listen to the quiet messages your body may have been trying to communicate.

There is no need to force a memory, search for a hidden cause or achieve a particular outcome. We simply begin where you are, respecting your pace and your individual experience.

Perhaps the journey towards greater wellbeing begins not with doing more, but with creating enough space to listen.

Your gut and your body are part of your story, not something to fight against.

Let us begin listening with kindness, allowing ourselves to discover what it feels like to be more present, more connected and more at home within ourselves.