A healthy digestive system is the nucleus of our energy regulation and well-being. Digestion breaks down food into subtle energy that your body needs and also generates internal warmth. But if our digestive system is found lacking, it may lead to indigestion.
Indigestion usually happens when you eat too much, too oily and/or too spicy. Smoking, stress and anxiety can also be contributing to your indigestion. Some common symptoms of the problem include abdominal pain, vomiting, uneasiness, growling stomach, stomach ache and bloating.
So, instead of popping a pill this time, which helps only for the time being, try yogaas it can provide you long lasting relief. Yoga works on the digestive system as a whole and thus, helps in curbing all the problems associated with a poor digestive frame.
Below are a few yoga postures that will help cleanse, stimulate, aid, and encourage good digestive function.
Standing Back Arch
Benefit: This asana creates space in your abdomen and improves metabolism.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Clasp you hands together at your back. Then, try to stretch them backwards while you also look upwards. Hold the position for 10-15 seconds and take some deep breaths. Release and relax.
Seated Spinal Twist
Benefit: This asana helps to get things moving in your digestive system.
To do this asana, sit on the floor with your legs stretched in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right heel in front of your upper left thigh close to the hip. Also turn your torso to the right and place your hands in the same direction. Hold the position and take 10- 15 deep breaths. Release.
Child’s Pose Benefits: Doing this asana on a regular basis will massage your intestinal tract. It is good for gastric problems.
To do this asana, kneel down on the floor with your arms stretched overhead. Now, lean forward and try to touch your forehead and palms to the floor. Stay in this position for 10-15 seconds.
Happy Baby
Benefit: This asana is good for bloating and gas problem.
Lie down straight on your back. Bend your knees and bring them towards your chest and try to hold your feet with the help of your hands. Keep your back on the ground and lift your legs only. Stay in this position and take some deep breaths. Come back to the starting position.
Standing Forward Fold Variation Benefit: This asana activates the abdominal muscles.
Stand straight with your arms on the sides. Take a deep breath and stretch your arms over your head. Now exhale and bring your arms down in front, but don’t touch the ground. Fold your hands by grabbing the opposite elbow. Stay in this position and take some deep breaths. Release.
Head to Foot Pose with Lotus Variation Benefit: This posture eases menstrual discomfort and stimulates the spine, pelvis, abdomen and bladder.
Sit on the ground with your legs stretched in front of you. Fold your right leg and keep it over your left thigh. Now bend in a way that your head touches your left leg and hold your left leg with both your hands. Stay in the position for 10-20 seconds. Release. Repeat on the other side.
Thunderbolt Pose Variation
Benefits: This asana massages your intestine and helps better digestion.
To do this asana, you need to kneel on the floor. Make a fist with your hands and place them at the bottom of your stomach. Now lean forward slowly and try to go down as much as possible. Try to rest your forehead on the ground. Stay in this position and take deep breaths.
Locust Pose
Benefit: This pose is known to relieve constipation and indigestion.
Lie down on your stomach. Clasp your hands and join your toes. Now try to lift your chest and feet off the ground. This pose will make you look like a boat. Stay in the position for 5-10 seconds. Release.
Don’t perform these asanas right after having a meal. Do them early morning for best results.
