Many people suffer from digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion. While there are many remedies available, some people turn to the ancient practice of yoga to help them improve their digestive health.
Yoga can help calm the mind and body, reduce stress, and improve digestion. In this article, we will discuss the best yoga poses for digestive health.
1. Cat-Cow
The Cat-Cow pose is an excellent way to massage the digestive organs and stimulate the digestive system. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.
On your inhale, arch your back and lift your head and tailbone towards the ceiling, creating a gentle curve in your spine. Exhale and round your spine, dropping your head and tailbone towards the floor. Repeat this movement for several breaths.
2. Child’s Pose
The Child’s Pose is another relaxing pose that can help improve digestion. This pose is a gentle stretch for the hips, thighs, and back, which can help relieve tension and stress that can contribute to digestive issues.
To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, then slowly bring your hips down towards your heels while stretching your arms forward. Rest your forehead on the mat and hold the pose for several breaths.
3. Downward-Facing Dog
The Downward-Facing Dog pose is a gentle stretch for the spine, hamstrings, and calves that can help stimulate the digestive system. This pose is also a great way to calm the mind and reduce stress, which can also contribute to digestive issues.
To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, then lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs. Keep your head and neck relaxed as you hold the pose for several breaths.
4. Triangle Pose
The Triangle Pose is a great way to stretch the sides of the body and stimulate the digestive system. This pose is also a great way to relieve stress and tension in the body.
To perform this pose, stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, then turn your left foot out 90 degrees and your right foot in 45 degrees. Stretch your arms out to the sides, then bend at the waist towards your left foot, keeping your back straight and your left hand resting on your shin or ankle.
Reach your right arm up towards the ceiling, then hold the pose for several breaths before switching sides.
5. Seated Spinal Twist
The Seated Spinal Twist is a great way to massage the digestive organs and stimulate the digestive system. This pose is also a great way to relieve tension in the spine and improve posture.
To perform this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your left knee and place your left foot on the floor on the outside of your right knee. Place your right hand on your left knee and twist your torso to the left, looking over your left shoulder. Hold the pose for several breaths, then switch sides.
6. Cobra Pose
The Cobra Pose is a gentle backbend that can help improve digestion by stimulating the digestive organs. This pose is also a great way to improve posture and relieve tension in the back.
To perform this pose, lie on your stomach with your palms on the floor under your shoulders. Slowly lift your chest off the floor, straightening your arms as you do so. Keep your elbows close to your sides and your shoulders away from your ears. Hold the pose for several breaths and then slowly lower yourself back down to the floor.
7. Reclining Bound Angle Pose
The Reclining Bound Angle Pose is a gentle hip opener that can help relieve tension in the hips and groin, which can contribute to digestive issues. This pose is also a great way to calm the mind and reduce stress.
To perform this pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Bring the soles of your feet together and let your knees fall out to the sides. Place your hands on your belly and breathe deeply, focusing on relaxing your hips and groin.
8. Extended Triangle Pose
The Extended Triangle Pose is a great way to stretch the sides of the body and stimulate the digestive system. This pose is also a great way to improve posture and balance.
To perform this pose, stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, then turn your left foot out 90 degrees and your right foot in 45 degrees. Reach your arms out to the sides, then bend at the waist towards your left foot, keeping your back straight and your left hand resting on your shin or ankle.
Reach your right arm up towards the ceiling, then hold the pose for several breaths before switching sides.
9. Boat Pose
The Boat Pose is a great way to strengthen the core and improve digestion. This pose is also a great way to improve posture and balance. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with your legs bent and your feet on the floor.
Slowly lean back and lift your feet off the floor, straightening your legs as you do so. Reach your arms forward and balance on your tailbone. Hold the pose for several breaths, then release.
10. Corpse Pose
The Corpse Pose is a gentle way to relax the mind and body after a yoga practice. This pose is also a great way to reduce stress and tension, which can contribute to digestive issues.
To perform this pose, lie on your back with your arms and legs stretched out. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, focusing on relaxing your mind and body.