6 Great Yoga Moves to Beat Digestive Issues | Herbal Goodness
Digestive problem is not a happy subject, and it’s a topic many would rather not talk about. But if only it was as easy as burying the proverbial head in the sand! Anyone who has had the displeasure of experiencing it will agree it can be a real damper, especially if it is an everyday thing.
Tummy troubles are the worst. No one likes a bloated and strained stomach, and that’s what it does to you. It exacerbates matters the more by unleashing a mild headache and vexing stomachache which just take the shine out of your day.
What Digestive Issues?
In simple medical terms, digestive problems are conditions that result in difficulty in emptying the digestive tract. Often the case, it can be relieving oneself as few as three times a week (or less), a case of hardened stools, and feeling like you are not completely evacuating your bowels.
It can be caused by several things. Could be consuming too much junk food (and little of fruit and vegetables); could be those excessive coffees you soak up in the name of giving you a kick (or excessive tea intake) – often at the expense of H2O; could be inappropriate working hours, little sleep or rest and even stress.
Suggested for you: 7 Tips to Aid Digestion
When our internal plumbing is not functioning optimally, many of us turn to pills and over-the-counter remedies.
That’s a quick way to find relief, true, but it will not keep the condition from coming back tomorrow. To eliminate constipation for good, a high-fiber diet comprising fruits and vegetables is a must. Drinking plenty of water throughout your day also goes a long way in addressing the problem. So is a diet rich in essential fatty acids?
All natural ways that should be beneficial for your general wellbeing as well.
Read: How to Get into Running | Herbal Goodness
6 Yoga Moves for Digestion
Speaking of natural, did you know yoga can help relieve constipation?
That’s right.
While many exercise routines can help stimulate regular bowel movement, nothing beats yoga.
Let’s take a look at some great yoga poses that should come in handy whenever you feel, um, backed up.
1. Wind-relieving Pose (Pawanmuktasana)
The aptly-named wind-relieving yoga pose helps in booting out excessive gas from the gastrointestinal tract, a common signal for digestive troubles
If you suffer from acid reflux issues, the wind-relieving pose has been found to bring relief. It also aids in relieving digestive disorders.
2. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
The Balasana is a non-twisting resting pose that helps relieve body tension and is great at de-stressing the entire body.
Its folding nature at the abdominal area means it massages the digestive organs, the result of which is improved digestion and good bowel movement.
3. Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
As with the Balasana, the half spinal twist (aka Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) is one of the easiest yoga poses to pull. This makes it perfect for beginners and anyone who feels like the years are catching up.
It works wonders for the digestive tract by massaging the stomach, pancreas, liver, spleen kidneys and the colon, improving bowel movement. It’s a great pose to detoxify your system.
4. Reclined Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
The reclined spinal twist pose is one of the most effective yoga moves for getting rid of digestion problems. It blends a resting pose with a simple twist which does more than just help excrete waste.
It improves blood circulation in the gut and makes it easier for food to move smoothly. It also relaxes the body and discharges any tension that may be trapped in the abdomen.
5. Cobbler Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Also known as the bound angle pose, or more popularly the butterfly pose, this yoga move involves a simple forward-bend posture which brings a host of benefits.
It stimulates and relieves the digestive tract of problems like bloating, gas and cramping. We did mention that stress is one of the prime causes of digestive issues. Well, this pose comes with the added benefit of helping reduce stress levels.
6. Plow Pose (Halasana)
Another yoga pose that is great for the digestive tract, the plow pose is advisable for more advanced yogi and it’s easy to see why from its posture.
Deemed an inversion, this move not only provides relief by massaging the guts but also improves blood circulation around the pelvic area.
Conclusion
While yoga may be a great remedy for many GI tract disorders, it pays to mix it up with a good diet – fruits, green leafy vegetables, fibrous foods and plenty of drinking water.
And if you find it hard letting go of that extra coffee mug, we have a healthier alternative we would absolutely recommend, especially when you’re experiencing digestive problems: our Papaya Seed Powder which provides a healthy kick and helps clear the digestive tract at the same time.
Better yet, the Papaya Smoothie Pack can be an optimal post-yoga pick-me-up while accelerating digestion.
Have you ever tried out yoga to stimulate your GI health? What are some of your favorite moves, you have any? We would love to know!
Read More: 6 Exercises to Relieve Back Pain or 3 Ways Excercise and Your Gut Health are Linked
