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Disfunctional Digestion? Yoga can help!

Many of us experience digestive problems sometime throughout our lives. Though we never like talking about our gastrointestinal issues openly, indigestion, cramping, constipation, and bloating can put a stopper on the fun and leave us feeling far from our best. Fortunately, yoga asanas can provide natural relief for the GI tract. So when you are looking for postures to cleanse and improve digestion, there are lots of effective options from beginner to advanced yogis!

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1. Wind Relieving Pose (Pavanamuktasana)

Have sluggish digestion or bloating? Wind Relieving Pose has a name that basically reveals exactly how it’s going to help you. Don’t be afraid of passing any trapped wind as you take Pavanamuktasana – it’s pretty much guaranteed to happen. When drawing the knee to the chest, combine the motion with your breath. Try this pose before going to bed if you ever experience discomfort throughout the night. 

2. Half Lord of the Fishes (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

Twists are typically the golden standard of relieving GI issues and moving along digestion. Ardha Matsyendrasana is one of the kings of cleansing the digestive system. While twisting (however gently), blood flow to the gastrointestinal organs is reduced. So when you release from the pose, new blood will flow into the digestive organs and wash out slow-moving, toxic buildup in the GI tract.

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3. Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)

Breathing deeply through Cat-Cow does wonderful things. First, you are massaging the core organs, compressing and lengthening the stomach and intestines, and washing the GI tract with new blood. You are essentially rejuvenating the gut function. Getting the full benefit of Cat-Cow comes from inhaling by dropping your belly button towards the earth. Move the tailbone, scooping in the abdominals as you exhale. Don’t just work the spine.

4. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottasana)

Here is a posture that provides an amazing stretch and elongation of the spine. But if you add a prop, you get a wonderful digestive aid. By placing a comfy bolster or pillow atop your thighs (or if you have enough flexibility to get your torso atop your thighs), you create a space where the digestive organs receive gentle pressure like a massage. Each time you inhale fully, the pressure exerted by the pillow or bolster creates some compression. Repeat as many times as feels comfortable for your body.

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5. Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)

Just had a large meal? Then Uttana Shishosana is your go to pose. This posture  is perfect for stretching the stomach and relieving any pressure or cramps from overeating or gas. You also get a nice stretch in the shoulders; and the relaxation is wonderful. Puppy pose is also useful for those who cannot get comfortably into Adho Mukha Svanasana. To get fully into this pose, simply release your head into the floor or rest the forehead on a block while allowing gravity to open the chest.

“A faulty fire (Agni) leads to improper functioning of the tissues which in turn, creates Ama (undigested waste) in the gastro-intestinal tract and leading to poor synthesis of tissues.”  ~Charaka

Gut discomfort doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying the moments before or after a good meal. With proper sequencing, yoga can relieve a wide range of symptoms and restore your energy once again.

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