By
Kiwilimón - 2018-10-08T17:10:53.013913Z
The daily practice of yoga brings many benefits: better posture, reduced stress and anxiety, better breathing… But it also helps alleviate the symptoms caused by slow digestion such as bloating, discomfort, gas, and cramps.
In yoga, the combination of poses, hydration, and breathing helps keep the digestive system healthy. Yoga promotes peristalsis, which is the movement of waste and toxins through the colon.
Additionally, the practice develops abdominal muscles, all of which contributes to healthier digestion.
Here are three poses you can practice daily to improve your digestive system and feel good every day.
Paschimottanasana or Seated Forward Bend
This simple stretch helps you relax and release some of the stress affecting your digestion.
How to do the pose: Sit on the floor with both legs extended in front of you. Keep your back straight and slowly bend your torso forward towards your legs. Hold the pose for five to ten breaths and slowly come out the same way you entered.
Modification: If you are in a public space, you can perform this pose sitting in your chair.
Supine Spinal Twist
Use this twist to relieve and tone your abdomen.
How to do the pose: Lie on your back, hug your knees and inhale. As you exhale, lower your knees to the left, using your left hand to guide them a little further down. Then, turn your head and stretch your right arm out. Stay in the pose for five to ten breaths. Inhale and as you inhale, bring your hands and knees back to the center. Repeat on the opposite side.
Modification: You can try it with both legs bent or one leg stretched and the other bent.
The Bridge
You’ll want to do this simple stretch to relieve the feeling of stomach cramps.
How to do the pose: Lying on your back, place the soles of your feet on the floor. Feel that your entire spine is supported on the ground and slowly, begin to lift your spine vertebra by vertebra starting from your hips up to your upper back.
Hold your back as high as you can for three breaths and slowly lower back to the starting position.