Supporting your gut with yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing in order to boost physical and mental wellbeing. Yoga consists of asanas (body postures) as well as pranayama (proscribed breathing patterns) and meditation.
Yoga has been demonstrated in several studies as an effective and safe way to increase physical activity, especially strength, flexibly and balance. There is also some evidence that regular yoga practice could be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pain, depression and stress.
There has also been some research that yoga could help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), to find out more read our article Can yoga help manage my symptoms of IBS?
In some individuals stress and anxiety can be one of the causes and symptom aggravation of IBS. Yoga works to help calm and relax our body which can help reduce the symptoms associated with IBS.
We have highlighted some yoga poses that might help ease discomfort and support your normal digestive process.
CAT POSE
The cat pose helps strengthen the core, improves digestion and relaxes the mind, reducing some of the anxiety related to digestive health issues.
COBRA POSE
The cobra pose helps tone the core, improves blood circulation and relieves stress. This reduction in stress can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with digestive health.
DOWNWARD FACING DOG POSE
The downward facing dog pose energises the body. It lengthens the spine and tones the abdominal muscles.
SITTING HALF SPINAL TWIST POSE
The sitting half spinal twist lengthens the spine and encourages the movement of trapped gas by providing a massage to the abdomen
WIND RELIEVING POSE
The wind relieving pose massages the back and intestine, aiding in the release of gas from the body. Releasing this gas improves the function of your digestive system, and could relieve indigestion, flatulence, bloating, and constipation.