Digestive problems can strike at any time. It can happen due to stress, poor diet choices, or a sedentary lifestyle. Poor digestion can also cause many unpleasant symptoms and affect your quality of life. While a balanced diet can boost digestion, regular yoga practice can also support a healthy gut. Doing certain yoga poses for digestion can make it easier for your body to absorb nutrients and they can play a crucial role in detoxifying the intestines. Yoga also improves blood flow to the abdominal organs, which reduces digestive discomfort and makes you feel better. So if you have stomach problems, try these yoga poses!
5 yoga poses for better digestion
1. Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose)
Padahastasana yoga pose is very effective for better digestion. It stretches your abdominal muscles and gives them a gentle massage, strengthening the digestive system. It also helps regulate blood flow in the body, reducing the risk of irritable bowel syndrome. To run it:
- Stand straight on the mat and keep both legs together.
- Straighten your back and breathe deeply. Now exhale slowly, bend down and look at the ground.
- Straighten both arms and keep both palms firmly on the floor. Avoid bending the knees.
- Take a deep breath and exhale in this position. Stay in this position for 10 to 15 seconds and release the body.
- Now return to the starting position and repeat the exercise.
2. Utkatasana (chair pose)
This yoga pose is known to reduce cramps in body parts, including stomach pain. The kneeling position helps improve digestion, which in turn increases nutrient absorption. It can also strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. To run it:
- To do this yoga, stand straight on the mat. Now raise the toes of the feet and pull on the body.
- Extend both arms from the elbows and move them upwards. Then bring the arms down and keep them in front.
- Then bend both legs at the knees and come into a sitting position. Now sit on your toes. But don’t touch the hips to the floor.
- Now stand up straight and return the body to the normal position. Repeat this yoga 2 to 3 times a day.
3. Wind Relieving Pose (Pavana Muktasana)
To boost digestion and keep the body stress-free, yoga is considered helpful. Doing this yoga pose makes it easier to digest food. It can also provide relief from back pain. To run it:
- Lie on your back on the mat. Then straighten your back and keep your arms at the waist.
- Now bend them both at the knees and bring them to the chest. Connect the legs together. Now hold the legs firmly with both arms.
- Also slowly bring the neck forward. Now touch your forehead with your knees. Hold the body in this position for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Take a deep breath and exhale. Then release the body and lie on the mat with your legs extended.
Also read: 5 high-fiber foods for better digestion, lower cholesterol and even weight loss
4. Boat Pose (Navasana)
This yoga pose strengthens the back, waist and legs. In addition, it helps your digestion run smoothly. It also proves useful in removing digestive problems such as constipation, gas and acidity. To run it:
- Lie straight on your back on the mat. Keep your waist straight. Now pull the legs up.
- Now bend both legs from the knees. Then lift the neck up and try to lift the body towards the waist.
- To maintain balance in the body, keep both arms straight. It will stretch your abdominal muscles.
- Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds. Now release the body and lie down on the mat.
5. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This relaxing yoga asana promotes digestion through gentle pressure on the abdomen. It can help relieve digestive discomfort and promote regular bowel movements. To run it:
- Start in a kneeling position on a yoga mat.
- Sit on your heels, toes touching and knees apart.
- Lower your torso forward and extend your arms forward.
- Rest your forehead on the mat and relax in this position.
Practice these yoga poses regularly to see the results!