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  • Home
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Yoga Poses to Help Digestion – 10 Minute Class

November 6, 2020 //  by Di Hickman//  18 Comments

Digestion issues seem to be on the rise. It seems more and more of us are overeating, and undernourished. While intermittent fasting and diet can help sometimes we need to find relief elsewhere. And there are yoga poses to help digestion, and relieve gas and bloating.

Yoga poses to help digestion. 15 min class

There are many yoga poses to help digestion but sometimes less is more. The poses included in this class are suitable for all levels, including beginners. If you’re feeling some discomfort this routine contains Yoga Poses to Help Digestion and promote pooping.

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Yoga Poses to Help Digestion

The main thing to remember when thinking about helping digestion is we need to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Also called the ‘rest and digest’ system. To this end, we move slowly and mindfully.

Arch & Flatten

This is a staple in almost ALL of my yoga sessions. Start with the knees bent and feet on the floor. Tilt the top of the pelvis upwards on the inhale and downwards on the exhale.

arch & flatten exercise

This movement should gently stimulate and massage the internal organs from the inside out and the outside in. Make it a small movement

Windshield wipers

Twists are among the best yoga poses to help digestion. BUT they need to be done slowly, especially to start. And, we need to make smaller movements first to prepare for bigger twists later. Windshield wipers are great for this as they massage the colon and intestines and help get things moving.

windshield wipers exercise

Start with the knees bent and feet on the floor. Separate the feet wide allowing the knees to sway to the right, then back up and over to the left.

Apanasana – Wind Relieving Pose

Did you know there is a pose in yoga called “wind relieving pose”? Apanasana has either one or both knees drawn into the chest. To begin, bring the right knee to the chest with the left knee bent and foot on the floor. Circle the right knee around clockwise for a while to stimulate the ascending colon. Then hold for 5-8 breaths.

apasana - wind relieving pose

For more relief, try extending the opposite leg. This is more challenging. However, you could support the extended leg on a bolster or chair.

Reclined Twist

Twists are the best yoga poses to help with digestion. But standing poses are often too intense when we’re dealing with bloating, gas or indigestion. So, take the twist to the floor with a reclined twist. Laying back with the knees bent, allow both knees to fall to the side. This creates a wringing action in the torso.

Supine twist

If this feels uncomfortable then offer support for the pose with props. This could be having a blanket or block between the knees. If the legs are close to the floor but don’t touch then support the legs on top of a bolster or cushion.

lying twist supported

Remember to repeat the poses on both sides. HOWEVER, for yoga poses to help digestion twists should be done always turning the torso to the right first (legs to the left). While twisting to the left first is not a matter of life or death, or injurious, it’s not optimal for digestion.

aspana

Twisting the torso the right first massages the ascending colon, then transverse. Twisting the left last massages the descending colon and promotes elimination.

Questions

  • Did you know there is a wind relieving pose?
  • Have you suffered from digestion issues?
  • What yoga poses help you with gas or bloating?
Previous Post: « How to do Fish Pose for beginners [Matsyasana]
Next Post: How long should you hold a yoga pose? how long should I hold yoga pose»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. HolisticSoulHealings.com

    May 4, 2022 at 9:16 am

    it really feels good to stretch and do yoga poses in general. I love it! 😀

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 6, 2022 at 2:39 pm

      right, I love it too!

      Reply
  2. Kimberly C

    November 13, 2020 at 10:38 am

    I love yoga and so need to get back into it. I know it’s super effective but had no idea it could also help with digestion. Not surprised though because yoga always made me feel great and super relaxed afterward. I think we can all use that especially right now.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      November 14, 2020 at 4:56 pm

      Right? The World needs more yoga!

      Reply
  3. Mayuri

    November 11, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    These are some great poses to help better digestion. I love doing Yoga and I regularly do these poses for better health.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      November 14, 2020 at 4:53 pm

      Yes it’s really great for so many health issues!

      Reply
  4. Melanie williams

    November 11, 2020 at 12:54 am

    Wow I did not know that there are poses to aid digestion. this is such a good one and this is noted for me to try x

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      November 14, 2020 at 4:49 pm

      Yep yoga has some great health benefits

      Reply
  5. Viano

    November 10, 2020 at 2:46 pm

    I had no idea there was exercise for indigestion. They look so easy to do. Amazing.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      November 10, 2020 at 4:42 pm

      Yep easy to do, because we need to stimulate the ‘rest and digest’ system. To do that we need to relax!

      Reply
  6. MELANIE EDJOURIAN

    November 10, 2020 at 9:40 am

    This is a great way to help everyone with digestion. I didn’t even think about yoga helping with this to be honest.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      November 10, 2020 at 4:38 pm

      Yoga helps with so many health conditions. It helps my kidney disease too!

      Reply
  7. Britt K

    November 10, 2020 at 9:32 am

    I have honestly never considered using yoga to promote better digestion but that sounds like a great approach as someone that has been living with IBS. I regularly struggle with digestive struggles, so I’m a fan of anything that could help me to manage that better.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      November 10, 2020 at 4:38 pm

      About 5 years ago I struggled with digestion issues related to wheat intolerance for about a year. Just out the blue. My yoga practice was an essential part of managing the process. How are you managing your IBS?

      Reply
  8. Indy

    November 10, 2020 at 5:00 am

    I knew that yoga could muscle pain and posture, but I never thought about other health issues such as digestion! Who knew that simply stretching a certain way could do so many things?!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      November 10, 2020 at 4:36 pm

      As someone who has a health condition, I can tell you first hand that yoga helps so many health issues!

      Reply
  9. Lyosha

    November 9, 2020 at 11:01 pm

    Great sequence idea! If I have trouble with my belly I normally do yoga but I have never thought of targeted practice

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      November 10, 2020 at 4:36 pm

      It’s sometimes a good idea to have a focus for your practice. Playtime is great but a destination for the journey is important too.

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

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