Yoga Positions That Help Release Gas

When air gets into your lower digestive tract or when carbohydrates don't digest properly, your body may need to pass gas. Other causes include constipation, carbonated beverages and dairy or gluten intolerance. A gas buildup in your system may lead to pain that certain yoga poses, called asanas, can help you release.

Vajrasana

Vajrasana, or thunderbolt pose, is a meditative pose you can practice after meals to help you digest properly. Start by kneeling, then sit back on your feet. Rest your palms on your thighs and focus on your breath.

Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana, or cobra pose, puts pressure on your stomach and can help with gas problems. Lie on your stomach with your palms flat on the floor next to either side of your chest. Keep your legs and feet parallel all the way to your toes. Inhale, press your hands into the floor and lengthen your spine forward as you lift your head, chest and shoulders off the floor. Hold for a few breaths.

Marichyasana

Marichyasana, or seated spinal twist, is named for an ancient sage and stimulates abdominal organs to improve digestion. Sit with your legs straight out in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the floor close to your seat. Bend your right elbow and press your upper arm into your knee -- and your knee into your upper arm. Inhale, lengthen your spine. Exhale, twist to your left. Press your left fingertips into the floor or on a block. Repeat on the other side.

Bharadvajasna

Bharadvajasana, another seated spinal twist named for a sage, massages your digestive organs and relieves stress. Sit with both legs straight out in front of you. Bend your knees, bring your legs over to your left side and cross your right foot over the arch of your left foot. Inhale, lengthen your spine. Exhale, turn to your right and look over your right shoulder. Continue breathing and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat to other side.

Pavanamuktasana

Pavanamuktasana translates to "wind-relieving pose" and helps discharge gas from your body as you massage your colon, tone your abdomen, strengthen your hip muscles and stretch your lower back. Lie on your back with your legs straight. Bend your right knee and hold with both hands. Inhale, lift your head to your knee. Exhale, release. Repeat on the left. As a variation, bend both knees at once. Practice for about one minute. Avoid this pose if you are pregnant or have a hernia or any abdominal conditions.