The role of yoga is not just confined to keeping one calm and flexible. The benefits of this ancient Indian form of physical activity is myriad.
Right from lowering your blood pressure to providing relief from the symptoms of PCOS, yoga is known for its amazing health benefits and now even the world has realised it.
Many might not know, but yoga is also effective in providing relief from digestive issues like bloating, stomach ache, acidity, constipation and loose motion.
Whether you have tummy trouble due to overeating or medication, practising yoga can be effective in all the situations. Here are some common yoga poses that you can do for relief from digestive issues:
1. Happy baby or Ananda balasana
Step 1: Lie down comfortably on your back. Bend your knees and bring them close to the chest.
Step 2: Hold the big toes of your feet with your hands and open your knees slightly wider than the torso and bring them close to the armpits.
Step 3: Your ankle should be above your knees and keep your shin perpendicular to the floor.
Step 4: Gently move your feet up and down to create resistance.
2. Lotus pose or Padmasana
How to do it:
Step 1: Sit on the mat in a cross-legged position (legs tucked one above the other) and spine straight.
Step 2: Bring both your hands in Gyan mudra (join the head of your thumb and index finger to make a small circle) and place them on your knees.
Step 3: Inhale and exhale while holding this pose for a few minutes. Repeat this asana with the other leg on the top.
3. Locust pose or Salabhasana
Step 1: Lie down on your stomach with your hands by your side and legs stretched. The big toes of your feet should be together.
Step 2: Clasp both your hands behind your sacrum.
Step 3: Inhale and lift your chest and feet off the ground.
4. Child’s pose or Balasana
Step 1: Kneel on the yoga mat with your hands by your side. Keep your toes together and knees slightly apart from each other.
Step 2: Inhale and at the same time lower your torso forward, resting your belly on your thighs.
Step 3: Your head should touch the mat. Now extend both your hands in front to touch the mat.
Step 4: Pause for 4-5 breaths, then come back to the starting position.
5. Forward bend or Uttanasana
Step 1: Stand on the ground with your feet hip-distance apart from each other.
Step 2: Inhale and extend both your hands overhead towards the ceiling.
Step 3: Exhale and hinge at the hips to fold forward over the legs. You can bend your knees slightly to reduce pressure from your lower back.
Step 4: Bring your hands down and press the palms against the calves.
Step 5: Pause for a few seconds and then inhale and gently place your hands onto your hips to come up. Press your tailbone and contract your abdominal muscles to rise slowly.
