Folklore Themes: Gut Feelings

While women recognize the head as the source of thought and memory, they believe that emotions are caused by spirits entering the body. Therefore they consider the stomach--that is, the interior of the body between the shoulders and pelvis--to be the center of emotion. While in reality the innards are also affected by sicknesses, in folklore gut sensations are connected exclusively with feelings. In particlar, nausea corresponds to an upset state of mind.

From Finding Old Ancestor:
The first day was a bad one. Although we were not tired, we walked slowly. Although we were not hungry, our stomachs were restless. We spoke little, not wanting to ask questions no one could answer.