Top 5 Yoga Poses to Improve Digestion and Reduce Bloating
Digestive health is a crucial component of both looking and feeling good. Imbalanced digestion can cause bloating, pain, and fatigue, and can often cause feelings of insecurity and frustration in the person experiencing these issues. While digestive issues are common, they’re certainly no fun, and many search for natural and holistic ways to heal their guts.
“Certain yoga poses specifically target the digestive system, promoting better food processing, bowel movements, relieving bloating, and reducing stress…”
Yoga is an ancient practice that emphasizes harmony between both the mind and the body, and can be used to aid digestion and improve mental wellbeing in the process. Certain yoga poses (asanas) specifically target the digestive system, promoting better food processing, bowel movements, relieving bloating, and reducing stress, which is often a major contributor to digestive issues. Here are the five best yoga poses to improve digestion.
5 YOGA POSES TO IMPROVE DIGESTION
1. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)
Standing Forward Bend stretches the entire back of the body, including the spine and hamstrings, while massaging the abdominal organs, which helps stimulate digestion.
How to Do It:
Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you.
Inhale and lengthen your spine.
Exhale and hinge at your hips to fold forward, reaching for your toes.
Hold onto your feet, ankles, or shins, keeping your spine long.
Stay in this pose for 5-10 breaths, deepening the stretch with each exhale.
2. Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)
Happy Baby Pose gently stretches the inner groin and lower back while massaging the digestive organs, helping to relieve gas and promote overall digestion.
How to Do It:
Lie on your back and bring your knees towards your chest.
Grab the outer edges of your feet with your hands, opening your knees wider than your torso.
Flex your feet and gently pull your feet down while pressing your knees towards the floor.
Keep your back flat on the mat and breathe deeply.
Hold for 1-2 minutes, allowing your body to relax and release tension.
3. Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
Supine Twist gently stretches the inner groin and lower back while massaging the digestive organs, helping to relieve gas and promote overall digestion.
How to Do It:
Lie on your back and bring your knees towards your chest.
Grab the outer edges of your feet with your hands, opening your knees wider than your torso.
Flex your feet and gently pull your feet down while pressing your knees towards the floor.
Keep your back flat on the mat and breathe deeply.
Hold for 1-2 minutes, allowing your body to relax and release tension.
4. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Child’s Pose is a gentle resting pose that soothes the nervous system, reduces stress, and gently compresses the abdominal organs, promoting digestion.
How to Do It:
Kneel on the floor with your big toes touching and knees spread apart.
Sit back on your heels and extend your arms forward on the floor.
Rest your forehead on the mat and relax your entire body.
Breathe deeply and hold for as long as comfortable, usually 1-3 minutes.
5. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
Cat-Cow is a dynamic movement between two poses that massages the abdominal organs, improves blood circulation, and enhances overall digestive function.
How to Do It:
Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
Inhale and arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone (Cow Pose).
Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest and tailbone towards the floor (Cat Pose).
Continue to flow between these two poses with your breath for 1-2 minutes.
Tips for Practicing Yoga for Digestion
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support digestion.
Practice on an Empty Stomach: It’s best to practice yoga at least 2-3 hours after a meal.
Breathe Deeply: Focus on deep, diaphragmatic breathing to stimulate the digestive organs.
Consistency is Key: Regular practice can lead to significant improvements in digestive health.
Listen to Your Body: Move slowly and mindfully, especially if you’re experiencing digestive discomfort.
Incorporating these yoga poses into your daily routine can do wonders for your digestive health. Not only will you likely notice improvements in digestion, but you may also experience reduced stress and an overall sense of well-being. So, roll out your yoga mat and join us! Try our Energizing Detox Flow!
*As always, if you’re experiencing severe digestive discomfort, please consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment.
