Yoga for Digestion
Yoga for Digestion
Yoga for Digestion is usually a euphemism for Yoga for Constipation.
So many people struggle with constipation that I thought this topic deserved a post.
Optimizing digestion revolves around many things–adequate water and fiber intake, gut biome, stress, food allergies/intolerances and activity level.
While these yoga poses cannot guarantee you will never experience constipation again, when practiced as part of a healthy lifestyle, these poses will definitely get things movin’!
I will add that as yoga teachers we’re taught that yoga twists are the gateway to ‘detoxification’ and hence better digestion. The theory being that twists ‘massage’ the internal organs, specifically the abdomen, and this stimulates peristalsis.
However, through personal experience and observation of my clients, I’ve discovered a whole category of poses that promote digestion, and no one seems to be talking about them.
This category of poses open up and lengthen the front body and abdomen.
I’m referring here to Cobra and Cat Cow for beginners, Sphinx, Upward Facing Dog, Camel and Wheel for Intermediate and Advanced Practitioners.
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If you are new to yoga, here is a mini yoga sequence to promote digestion.
As a side note, yoga should always be practiced on a fairly empty stomach. Any of these poses may feel uncomfortable if practiced right after eating.
Mini Yoga Sequence for Digestion
Sit in SUKHASANA.
Begin to move into SEATED CAT/COW with the breath. Inhale CAT, exhale COW.
Take your right hand behind you and your left hand to your right leg. Inhale as you lengthen the spine, exhale as you twist to the right. This is SEATED TWIST.
Release the twist, cross legs the other way and repeat.
SEATED TWIST
Other poses which I like and teach for digestion include:
BEGINNERS
INTERMEDIATE
ADVANCED
If you have struggled with constipation and want to know how yoga can help you, feel free to reach me here.
Namaste,
Catherine
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Catherine Tingey
Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 33 years and teaching privately for 13 years.
About the Author
Catherine Tingey+ Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 33 years and teaching privately for 13 years.
