Yoga for Better Digestion

There are a myriad of reasons you may be experiencing digestive pain or discomfort. It could be bloating, constipation or gas from a recent meal or something more serious, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or ulcerative colitis. (We always recommend speaking with your health care provider about any lingering symptoms or concerns.)

One way to reduce indigestion symptoms is through specific yoga poses, also known as “asanas”. These poses incorporate deep breathing and stretches that target the abdominal muscles. Twisting asanas massage and release toxins trapped in the intestines which results in improved energy along with digestive relief.

To watch a demonstration of these poses, click here.

Cat/Cow:

This pose massages your organs as you move through flexion and extension – alternately compressing and then lengthening the intestines. This movement brings fresh blood to the epithelial cells which are responsible for healthy gut function.

Downward Dog:

This pose allows you to bring deep breaths into your abdomen and to pull your navel up and back toward your heart. The exhalation of this breath nourishes the intestines. 

Triangle

Triangle pose compresses and releases the colon. This movement stimulates the movement of toxins that have accumulated in the body. For experienced yogis, moving between Triangle and Revolved Triangle pose can be even more effective.

Melting Heart Pose (Extended Puppy Pose)

In addition to being a heart-opening pose, Extended Puppy Pose will stretch the belly. As the heart reaches down, the hips reach up which lengthens the stomach and is helpful to relieve cramps after a big meal.

Bridge

Holding your body in a bridge position will compress digestive organs and deliver fresh blood to the heart. It will also relieve fatigue caused by poor digestion. Try blocks under your feet for a deeper backbend and be sure to take deep, cleansing breaths.

Wind Removing Pose

Yup… the name says it all: this pose works the ascending colon on the right side and the descending colon on the left side to stimulate nerves that aid in elimination.

Supine Torso Twist

When you release the twist, fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients rush back into your digestive organs. This asana can help move food and waste along your digestive track to stimulate waste removal.

Savasana

Considered one of the most challenging poses, “corpse pose” is beneficial to digestion because lying in stillness and quieting the mind are essential for reducing the stress that is contributing to your digestive discomfort. Savasana will calm the nervous system and help counterbalance the effects of stress.