Yoga is known to treat several medical issues related to your physical health. There are several yoga poses that have expertise in dealing with swollen muscles, stiffed joints, weight gain, low energy levels, mental uneasiness, metabolic conditions, hormonal imbalances, aches, and many more. One such condition we are going to discuss today is indigestion and its consequences resulting in gas or a bloated stomach.
It’s quite common to overindulge and feel bloated after a heavy meal. It’s not always necessary that the condition is due to overeating, but sometimes can be a result of acid reflux, weakened digestive system, bad habits like flopping to the couch instantly after eating, bad posture, and unhealthy food also contribute to this condition.
Possible causes of bloating –
- Low metabolic rate / low-calorie burn
- Weak digestive system due to aging
- Pregnancy
- Stomach ulcers or gallstones
- Unhealthy food
- Sedentary, stressful, and irregular lifestyle
- Lack of adequate sleep
Bloating stress the digestive problems and this causes fullness and tightness in the abdomen which may result in stomach aches. Practicing certain yoga poses regularly improves digestion by increasing the blood flow to the digestive tract, compressing and massaging your internal organs, ultimately aiding to relieve bloating and gas.
Yoga poses to improve digestion and reduce bloating –
1. Pawanmuktasana
Pawanmuktasana or wind-relieving pose is a powerful asana that can heal gastrointestinal problems. By stimulating the movement of the bowels, it can get rid of waste materials from the body. This yoga pose boosts metabolism along with relieving constipation, indigestion, acidity, and removing belly fat. It also strengthens abdominal muscles, the spinal cord, and eases tension in the lower back. It burns fat from the thighs, abdomen, and waist. Additionally, it reduces infertility by stimulating ovaries.
2. Malasana
Malasana or Garland pose is the best yoga pose to treat constipation which is one of the most common reasons for gas and bloating. This yoga pose not only strengthens your spine, buttocks but also opens up the hip muscles, stretches, and contracts the abdomen thus resulting in the strengthening of the digestive tract. Try to stay in the same pose for about a few seconds before you relax for maximum benefits.
3. Vajrasana
It is a kneeling yoga pose most generically associated with metabolism. It relieves and prevents constipation. It is also known for strengthening the pelvic muscles. It is known as the diamond pose or pelvic pose. It helps in getting rid of flatulence or gas, and acidity. It ensures the better absorption of the nutrients in the body. It is a good practice to perform Vajrasana after meals as it helps in digestion.
4. Supta Virasana
This yoga pose offers numerous therapeutic benefits such as resolving digestive issues and diarrhea, respiratory ailments, intestinal problems, and acidity. Supta Virasana, also known as reclined hero pose helps to strengthen the extensor muscles present in the legs. The name comes from Sanskrit where Supt means the reclined and asana means the seating position. It helps to release the gas produced in the stomach.
5. Ardhya mastyendrasana
This classical twisting pose energizes your upper body and promotes digestion. It gives a good massage to the internal organs- your stomach, intestines, and kidneys. This way it eases the pain and discomfort caused by bloating and indigestion. Additionally, it stimulates the spine, twisting and wrangling out all the stiffness from your back. It relives the upper and middle back pain, stretching the shoulders, hips, and neck. It is helpful in correcting your sitting posture, keeping your stomach and internal organs stress-free.
6. Ustrasana
Ustrasana is one of the most beneficial yoga poses to boost metabolism on our list. Ustrasna involves deep backward bending of the body that is performed while kneeling. Also known as camel pose, its role is to open up the whole front part of the body through stretching of the hips and spine. It also stimulates and activates the thyroid gland which ultimately increases metabolism.
All these yoga poses have been recommended from ancient ages for their proven results and benefits to boost the metabolism, reduce acid refluxes, relieve gas, and bloating. Follow all these poses and various yogic activities under the proper guidance of an expert yoga instructor to rip the benefits of therapeutic benefits of yoga. Consult your doctor or accredited yoga coach before starting your practice especially if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions or first-time practitioner.