Yoga is one of the healthiest, most beneficial exercises you can do for your body, and for good reason. The benefits of yoga go far beyond increasing flexibility and reducing stress. Yoga can even help you in aiding digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion, constipation, and bloat. If you’re having any of these problems, then some of these yoga poses may help.
1. The Bridge Pose
The “Setu Bandha Sarvangasana,” or more commonly known as the bridge pose, is a great method to help you feel more energized. Achieve this pose by first lying flat on the floor. Then, bend your leg at the knee and keep your feet flat on the floor while pushing your hips upward.
Feel the stretch in your abdomen and feel a mild rush of blood to your head. This pose helps tone your abdominal area and allows for better blood flow and digestion.
2. The Seated Forward Bend
The “Paschimottanasana,” otherwise called the seated forward bend, is another great technique for reducing bloating and abdominal distress. Start by sitting up straight on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Then slowly bend forward until your nose is touching your legs.
Feel the stretch in the back and the legs. While holding this pose, inhale and exhale rhythmically and feel your abdomen touch your thighs. These breaths will cause compressions in your abdomen and help improve blood flow. As an added bonus, this pose also helps with stretching the back as well.
3. The Knees Hugged To Chest Pose
This pose is more traditionally called “Apanasana” and helps relieve bloating and pain due to excess gas in the abdomen. The pressure on the abdomen from the legs helps to force out gas and thereby aids in the gas release.
To do this pose, first begin by laying on the floor facing upwards. Then, bring your knees to your chest and hold them with your arms by bringing your hands out in front of your knees and clasping. Slowly breathe in and out and feel the stretch in your thighs and back.
These poses help aid digestion, but there are much more than just these three, so don’t hesitate to try more than just what you see here.