Yoga exercises are intended to help balance the body and the mind. As yoga has developed over thousands of years, a variety of yoga poses have been found to relieve many different kinds of bodily ailments. While most yoga poses stretch or strengthen the muscles of the body, some poses stimulate the internal organs. Many poses can relieve gas and promote a healthy digestive system. Consult your doctor before attempting any new form of exercise or treatment.
Wind Release Pose
Wind release pose is a basic exercise intended to release gas and eliminate bloating. Begin lying on your back, stretching your body in a long line, arms overhead and legs out in front of you. Deeply inhale. As you exhale, slowly hug both knees in towards your chest and wrap your arms tightly around your knees, forming a ball with your body. Relax your abdomen completely. For an added challenge, lift your head from the floor and bring your nose up to touch your knees. If your gas is not relieved, repeat the pose by inhaling to stretch your body out and exhaling to hug your knees in again.
Garland Pose
Garland pose is a deep hip-opening stretch that also releases gas and aids digestion. Begin standing with your feet slightly wider than your hips, toes pointing outward. Press your palms flat together in front of your chest, pointing your elbows out. On a deep exhale breath begin to bend your knees, squatting down until your elbows can rest on the insides of your knees. Bend as far into the squat position as you can go. Keep your palms pressing together and use your elbows to keep your knees opening wide. Keep your spine long by reaching your head toward the ceiling. If your heels are not touching the floor, step your feet wider until your feet can rest flat. Relax your abdomen and breathe deeply. Hold the pose for several seconds.
Basic Twist
Twisting poses relax and strengthen your back muscles, and the action of twisting your torso also gently moves your internal organs. This stimulates blood flow to your organs and aids in organ function, so twisting poses are very effective for aiding digestion and relieving gas. For a basic twist, begin lying on your back. Draw your knees into your chest. Stretch your arms out to your sides perpendicular to your body. Keeping your knees together, exhale and drop both knees over to your right side. Turn your head gently to the left. Relax in the twist for several seconds then return your knees to center on a deep inhale breath. Exhale and repeat in the other direction, dropping both knees to the left and turning your head to the right.
Downward-Facing Dog
Downward-facing dog is one of the most common and basic yoga poses, with a variety of physical benefits, including stimulating the digestive system. Begin on your hands and knees with your hands directly below your shoulders. Spread your fingers wide and keep your index fingers pointing directly forward. Tuck your toes under. On an exhale breath, straighten your knees, lifting your tailbone upward until your body is in a triangular shape. Relax your neck and keep your spine straight. Breathe deeply and relax your abdomen.
References
- "Yoga Anatomy"; Leslie Kaminoff; 2007
- "Hatha Yoga Illustrated"; Martin Kirk and Brooke Boon; 2004
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