Whether your indigestion came from too much anxiety or too many spicy chicken wings, yoga can help alleviate it. Four poses in particular can promote healthier digestion, one with a side stretch, one with a backbend and two that release energy and tension through your feet.
Half Moon Pose
Half moon pose leaves you balanced on one leg and one arm while stretching to one side. Stand facing forward with your legs open wider than shoulder length on your mat. Keep your left foot facing forward and move your right foot to point toward the right of your mat. Extend your arms out on either side with your palms facing down. Bend at the waist toward your right side as you bend your right knee, touching your right hand on the mat and lifting your left arm in the air. Shift your balance to your right arm and right leg, keeping your foot and palm firmly on the mat as you lift your left leg in the air, perpendicular to your right leg and your left arm pointing toward the ceiling. Hold the pose for at least 30 seconds and up to one minute; repeat on other side.
Locust Pose
Locust pose is a slight backbend while lying on your stomach. Lie on your stomach with your arms down by your sides, palms facing upward and your forehead on the mat. Lift your legs, head, shoulders and arms off the mat as you exhale. Your body should be supported on the mat by the top of your pelvis, stomach and lower ribs. Extend and firm your legs and buttocks as you hold the pose for at least 30 seconds. Repeat once or twice as desired.
Deep Toe Bend
Deep toe bend focuses and balances your body weight on your bent toes. Sit on your knees with your lower legs beneath you and your buttocks resting on your heels. Bend your toes underneath you so their pads are firmly on the mat. Slowly lift your knees away from the mat as you press your weight forward and apply pressure to your toe pads. Place your palms on the mat to balance if you need to, but do not shift the weight off your toes. Stay in that position as long as you can.
Foot Cross
Foot cross applies pressure to a key point on your feet to open the flow of energy. Sit on your knees with the top of your feet flat against the mat. Lift your buttocks enough to cross your right foot over the bottom of your left foot, with the right foot's boniest area directly on the outer edge of your left sole. Sit back on your heels, applying more of your body weight to increase the pressure on your left foot's pressure point. Hold as long as you can. Repeat on other side.
