#HealthBytes: 5 Yoga asanas to improve digestion
Having digestive problems like gas, bloating, and constipation never make you feel good, and you want to get rid of them, right as they show up. Interestingly, certain Yoga poses, by enhancing your blood flow, massaging internal organs, detoxifying the body, and stimulating abdominal muscles, can help enhance your overall digestive health. Here are 5 Yoga asanas to help improve your digestion.
Pawanmuktasana aids metabolism, and enhances your digestion
Pawanmuktasana (or the wind relieving pose) stimulates and regulates your digestive system, improves metabolism, and aids in nutrients' absorption. To perform it, lie down flat on your back. Cling your legs, fold your knees, and hug them. Now, lift your head off the floor and put your nose between the knees. Hold the pose for a few seconds as you breathe deeply, then release.
The Cat-Cow pose improves blood flow; betters digestive function
The Cat-Cow pose helps enhance the blood flow to your digestive organs, thereby improving their overall functionality. To perform, start by getting on all fours. Now using your hands and knees (grounded into mat), inhale and round up your back (cat), then exhale and arch your back (cow). Repeat this a couple of times. Perform regularly for improved digestive health.
The Triangle pose is great for improving your digestion
Step your right foot forward into a plunge, then straighten your leg. Next, move your left foot forward, and turn it at a 45 to 60 degrees angle with the edge of the mat. Rest your right hand over your shin, and reach your left hand toward the roof, with your palms facing outward. Hold the position for a minute, then shift sides.
The Bridge pose enhances blood flow and improves digestive function
To perform the Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge pose), lie down on your back, with your arms next to your body, palms facing down. Now, bend your knees and and place your feet on floor. Now taking support of your shoulders, arms and feet, lift your back off the floor. Keep breathing slowly and deeply. Maintain the posture for one minute. Relax, then repeat.
Shavasana is great for de-stressing, body healing and cleansing
The Shavasana (corpse pose) is the ultimate Yoga asana for relaxing your mind and body. It aids in body cleansing and healing, and also improves your digestive function. To perform Shavasana, lay down straight on your back, your arms freely opened on both sides, with palms facing upwards. Maintain the position for a couple of minutes. Perform regularly to score better digestion.
