Indigestion, which is also known as dyspepsia, is a feeling of discomfort in your abdominal area. Symptoms of indigestion include pain, bloating and nausea. These symptoms may be caused by an underlying digestive condition or by your lifestyle. Stress, overeating, greasy foods, and alcohol are all possible triggers of indigestion. According to MayoClinic.com, indigestion can be treated by changing your lifestyle to include regular exercise and stress management. Yoga is form of of exercise that has been proven to reduce stress, and some of its poses specifically benefit the digestive organs.
Bharadvajasana I
Bharadvajasana I, more commonly known as Bharadvaja's twist, is one yoga pose said to benefit your digestive system. According to "Yoga Journal," this pose "is a tonic for the abdominal organs." To practice this pose, sit on the mat and lean your weight onto your right hip. Bend your knees and bring them to your left side, so that your lower legs rest on your mat. Lengthen your back and use your arms to twist yourself to the right. Gaze over your right shoulder as you breathe through the twist in your core. Repeat this posture by twisting to the left side to keep your body balanced.
Uttanasana
Another pose that will aid your body in digestion is uttanasana, or standing forward bend. To come into this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart on your mat. Hinge forward at your hips, keeping your back straight as you bend forward. Bring your chest toward your thighs while keeping your legs straight. Try to rest your core on your upper legs and your head down to look between your lower legs. Straighten your arms and rest your palms on your mat if you can reach, or bend your arms and hold onto your elbows to deepen the stretch.
Bitilasana
Another pose that can alleviate indigestion by massaging your mid-section is cow pose, or bitilasana. To perform cow pose, begin by kneeling on all fours, with your palms, knees and lower legs on your mat and your back parallel to the ground. Arch your back down and push your stomach toward your mat while you lift your head and buttocks upward. Breathe here as you continue to lower your stomach toward your mat.
Marjaryasana
Marjaryasana, or cat pose, works to relieve your indigestion optimally when alternated with cow pose. Cat pose starts in the same position--on all fours--switches what you lift and lower. To reap the benefits of cow pose, round your head and tailbone toward the ground as you pull in your core and arch your back. Your body will resemble an angry cat, but you will be anything but angry as you alleviate your indigestion.
