Bloating

Biologically the body uses fluids to cushion and protect an area that is injured. 
And as we know, wounding does not have to be physical, it can be emotional too.

So when bloating appears in the abdomen we need to ask what is my body drying to dampen down within me? Or what is it protecting me from?

The stomach receives, it’s function is to process that which is external and integrate it internally. This digestion process also relates to emotional situations. 

I treated a teenager last year who was struggling with bloating. When we unpicked what was happening it transpired that her parents divorce and mothers subsequent marriage had created a feeling of fear within her, a lack of safety and stability. This manifested as social anxiety and bloating. Despite good relationships with both parents and stepfather she had never felt able to voice her feelings for fear of upsetting them. 

Her instinct was to protect them. 
The bloating was the physical manifestation and served to buffer and dampen those emotions that she could neither release or integrate. They remained undigested.

Some self healing questions to ponder are:
What circumstances are you finding challenging? 
How does that make you feel?
What would happen if you walked away from the stress? 
Explore what and who you take responsibility for. 
Explore your peacekeeping role within family dynamics.