Unhealthy habits and lifestyles can contribute to low energy, weak digestion, and depression. To prevent these challenges from developing in your body, it is better to take care of yourself and do things every day to restore your body in simple, yet effective ways. Fortunately, yoga is one of those ways, and even if your lifestyle isn't perfect, it can make a big difference to your overall well-being and digestive system.
In yoga, there are specific yoga poses that help your digestive system work optimally. Certain asanas are aimed at improving the functioning of the digestive organs: the liver, pancreas, stomach, and intestines, to eliminate excess tension that interferes with proper blood circulation. Regular practice of these poses will improve digestion and eliminate intestinal dysfunctions and have your digestive system operating in harmony.
Certain families of yoga postures, such as twists, have a direct influence on the abdominal organs. They will help you improve your digestion and metabolism. Perform some of these asanas in combination with other postures that you love, or do them all in one session and notice after a few weeks if your digestive system is feeling better.
8 Yoga Postures that Improve Digestion:
Padangushthasana
The pose consists of bending down and grabbing the big toes. You can keep your knees slightly bent, your feet the width of hips, and your breath calm and steady. With the help of this asana, a little pressure is applied on the stomach and there is a subsequent release of excess air. This forward fold lowers stress levels, improves blood circulation, and enhances digestive processes.
Vajrasana
You can remain in this asana for up to 10 minutes. While it looks simple, it can significantly improve digestion. You can even do this one after eating to immediately help you digest.
Bhujangasana
This asana activates the work of the abdominal organs – the stomach, intestines, bladder, pancreas, and liver. It has a beneficial effect on the spine and thyroid gland. It also has anti-stress effects.
Halasana
It is excellent for the entire vertebral column, chest, and neck area. It prevents the appearance of hernias, improves blood circulation and brain function, as well as the functioning of the digestive and pelvic organs.
Balasana
Child's pose stimulates the digestive system by massaging the internal organs, normalizing blood circulation in the pelvic organs, and improving metabolism. It also relieves tension by calming the body and mind.
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
In addition to stimulating the abdominal organs, massaging the colon, and improving digestion, Bridge pose tones the reproductive system, relieves the symptoms of menopause, alleviates anxiety, headaches, insomnia, back pain, and fatigue. It stretches the chest area, returns the displaced vertebral discs to their place, and contributes to good posture.
Pavanamuktasana
The knees, pressed against the stomach make a kind of massage to your internal organs. The right knee massages the ascending colon, while the left knee massages the descending colon.
Apanasana
This pose translates to something along the lines of, the pose that expels the wind. It's because it eliminates gas formation, improves the digestive system, and relieves tension in the intestinal area.
Vakrasana
This asana aligns the spine, is beneficial for the liver, gallbladder, stomach, and pancreas. Twisting in this pose massages the internal organs, improves the blood circulation in the intestines, helping to keep your microbiome healthy. This is one example of a twist that helps improve digestion, but nearly all twists contribute to better digestion.
Be healthy and happy! Yoga is a powerful reminder that you can live with lots of vitality and not let stress get in the way of you living a good life. By Donald Mena
Donald Mena is Pilates and Ashtanga yoga practioner. He loves the physical, as well as the mental benefits of yoga and exercise and is glad to share his experience.
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