Today’s topic? Yoga for digestion and bloating!
As a physical therapist and yoga instructor, I know first-hand the benefits of proper movement– and yoga ranks at the top of my recommendations when it comes to restoring better digestion and getting rid of bloating.
Let’s dive right in.
Exercise #1: Child’s Pose
Also known as the “grounding pose”, child’s pose is the perfect go-to for relieving bloating thanks to the pressure it applies to your lower abdomen.
Child’s pose can be achieved in five easy steps:
- Kneel on the floor, with your hips on the heels of your feet.
- Bend at your waist.
- Keep your arms by your sides and reach out in front of you.
- Regulate your breathing for 20 to 30 seconds before walking yourself back into an upright position.
- Repeat as many times as desired.
Because bloating can cause long periods of discomfort, this pose can quickly and easily provide you with the relief you deserve.
Exercise #2: Yoga With a Ball
Doing yoga using an small ball or tennis ball can help you to:
- Find neutral spine position
- Increase lower back mobility
- Bolster both balance and stability
- Develop the strength of your body’s core muscles
- Help you maintain proper posture long-term
- …and so much more
While gently inhaling, press your stomach into the ball. Exhale. During this, be aware of little tender spots that you might feel. This is a myofascial release technique, and, with any of the myofascial work, you want to hold pressure 30 to 60 seconds. If you hold the position longer, you can actually rehydrate those tissues and just make things a little bit stiffer and tighter. We should breath work and myofascial release to get things moving.
Learn more myofascial release techniques from my latest YouTube video:
The Benefits of Yoga for Digestion and Bloating
I’m passionate about using yoga to help with digestion, constipation and related issues, because I believe that a big part of being pain free means having a happy belly. This is backed by science, as any kind of physical activity increases blood flow to the muscles in the digestive system, which helps our food pass through the digestive tract – causing them to work more quickly and effectively.
A lack of physical activity can actually negatively impact your GI system, especially if you classify as obese. Gentle yoga is perfect for anyone of any age or body type.
If you are looking to move better, feel better, and be better, browse through my many available yoga programs today to find the one that works best with your goals.
