Discover how yoga can alleviate digestive issues on World Digestive Health Day.
Digestion is the process of breaking down food to provide nutrients to the body and also helps your body to remove toxins. Agni is the term in Ayurveda understood as digestive fire which helps you to digest food and balances metabolism, crucial for nutrition intelligence and awareness. A recent survey revealed that 7 out of 10 people in India are facing digestive and gut health issues. Among those 59% of people face problems every week and 12% daily.
It is because when Agni is weak it slows down digestion leading to less energy and more toxins in the body. Luckily, Yoga has the cure for this and this article will give you insight about 5 yoga Asanas that can help you to improve digestion and maintain good gut health.
Top 7 Yoga asanas to support digestion and good gut health
Here are the top five yoga asanas to support digestion and promote good gut health.
Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)
Pawanmuktasana is an effective yoga asana that helps you to release gas and ease bloating. To do this asana lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest, and hold the position using your hand. This pose massages your abdominal area and the intestine gently, helping to relieve constipation and improve digestion.
Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
Trikonasana is among those yoga asanas which helps you in digestion by stimulating abdominal organs. Stand with feet wide apart, extend your arms out to the sides and bend sideways and try to reach from one hand to your toes and other towards the sky. This pose compresses the digestive organs and relieves indigestion.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana improves blood circulation and strengthens your abdominal muscles to support healthy gut health. Start by laying on your stomach and place your hands under your shoulders, lift your chest up from the ground and ensure your lower body is grounded. This pose helps you with proper functioning of the digestive system and also alleviates stress.
Marjariasana (Cat-Cow Pose)
Marjariasana is a gentle flow between cat pose and the cow pose that stimulates the abdominal muscles and promotes bowel movement to support digestion. To practise this asana, start with placing your hands on your knees, inhale to arch your back and exhale to round your spine.
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
An effective asana to stimulate your digestive system and relieve digestive issues. Sit on your extended legs and reach forward to touch your toes, keeping your spine straight. This pose compresses the abdomen, helping to stimulate the liver, kidneys, and intestines, improving digestion.
How is Yoga linked with healthy digestive health?
Yoga is known to support digestion as it stimulates and massages your internal organs through certain poses. These poses enhance blood flow, improving mobility and relieve stress, and other factors contributing to better digestion. Regular practice of yoga reduces your bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues to promote healthy gut and support overall well being.
