Yoga For Digestive Health: 7 Poses To Try

Yoga is renowned for its numerous health benefits, from enhancing flexibility to promoting mental well-being. Among its many advantages, yoga also offers significant benefits for digestive health.

In this guide, we’ll explore the connection between yoga and digestive health and introduce you to some of the best yoga poses for digestion and bloating. In addition to answering the question, “Which yoga is best for digestion?” we’ll go over some yoga practice tips to help you become the best you.

Benefits of yoga for digestive healthYoga for digestion is a holistic approach to managing digestive issues. By practicing yoga regularly, you can experience:

• Improved digestion— Yoga stimulates the digestive organs, enhancing their function.
• Minimized bloating — Certain poses help release trapped gas and reduce bloating.
• Enhanced peristalsis – Twisting poses in yoga stimulate peristalsis, aiding food movement through the intestines.
• Reduced digestive discomfort — Regular practice can alleviate symptoms of indigestion and other digestive issues.

7 essential yoga poses to try for digestive health

Yoga for indigestion can be a highly effective remedy, as specific poses help stimulate the digestive system and alleviate discomfort.

1. Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana)The seated forward bend is one of the best yoga poses for digestion. It compresses the abdomen, which can help stimulate the digestive organs.

1. • How to do it — Sit with your legs extended straight in front of you. Inhale and lengthen your spine. As you exhale, bend forward from your hips, reaching for your feet. Hold the pose for 1-3 minutes.
   • Benefits — This pose massages the abdominal organs, improves digestion, and can relieve constipation.

2. Wind-relieving pose (Pawanmuktasana)As the name suggests, the wind-relieving pose reduces gas and bloating.

2. • How to do it — Lie on your back. As you exhale, bring your knees to your chest and wrap your arms around them. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then release.
   • Benefits — This pose helps release trapped gas from the stomach and intestines, relieving bloating and indigestion.

3. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana-bitilasana)The cat-cow pose is a gentle flow between two poses that warms up the spine and relieves stress.

3. • How to do it — Start on your hands and knees. Inhale and arch your back (cow pose). Exhale and round your spine (cat pose). Continue flowing between these poses for 1-2 minutes.
   • Benefits — This movement stimulates the abdominal organs, improves digestion, and enhances spinal flexibility.

4. Twist pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana)Twists are particularly effective for digestion as they stimulate the digestive tract and promote the detoxification of the organs.

4. • How to do it — Sit with your legs extended. Bend your right knee and place your right foot outside your left thigh. Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale and twist to the right. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then switch sides.
   • Benefits — Twisting helps stimulate peristalsis and detoxifies the digestive organs.

5. Bridge pose (Setu Bandhasana)The bridge pose opens the chest and stimulates the abdominal organs.

5. • How to do it — Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Inhale and lift your hips towards the ceiling, clasping your hands underneath your back. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
   • Benefits — This pose stretches the abdominal muscles and stimulates the digestive organs, promoting better digestion.

6. Child’s pose (Balasana)Child’s pose is a resting pose that helps relieve stress and gently compresses the abdomen.

6. • How to do it — Kneel on the floor, touch your big toes together, and sit on your heels. As you exhale, fold forward, extending your arms in front of you or alongside your body. Hold for 1-3 minutes.
   • Benefits — This pose helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and gently massage the abdominal organs.

7. Cobra pose (Bhujangasana)The cobra pose stretches the abdominal muscles and improves blood flow to the digestive organs.

7. • How to do it — Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. Inhale and lift your chest off the floor, keeping your elbows close to your body. Hold for 15-30 seconds.
   • Benefits — This pose stretches the abdominal muscles and stimulates digestive organs, promoting better digestion.

Yoga practice tips

Here are some tips on how to better incorporate these yoga poses for digestion into your daily routine:

• Consistency — Practice these poses daily to see the best results.
• Timing — Perform these poses on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or a few hours after a meal.
• Breathing — Focus on deep, mindful breathing to enhance the benefits of each pose.
• Comfort — Use props like yoga blocks or cushions to make the poses more comfortable.

Embrace yoga and transform your health

Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can significantly improve your digestive health. Start incorporating these yoga poses for digestion into your practice today and experience the benefits for yourself.

For more insights into yoga’s benefits, explore our articles on yoga philosophy, yoga for weight loss, and yoga for better sleep. If you’re ready to take your practice further, check out our online yoga classes or contact us for more information.