Yoga for gastric problems: 10 poses to boost digestion and ease gas | XpertsReviews.com

Digestive discomfort, such as bloating, acidity or gas, is a problem that most of us face, especially with our busy, irregular lifestyle and poor diet. Late meals, stress and lack of movement can all disrupt the gut, leaving us sluggish and uncomfortable. Yoga, an age-old practice, offers simple yet powerful poses that not only calm the body but also improve digestion and relieve gas. According to Himalayan yoga expert Siddhaa Akshar, regularly practicing certain yoga poses for stomach problems can stimulate the internal organs, improve blood flow to the digestive tract and keep your stomach happy and light.

Yoga for stomach problems

Here are 10 simple yoga poses to relieve stomach problems and improve digestion:

1. Kati Chakrasana (standing spinal twist)

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Stretch your arms forward, turn your torso to the right and let your left hand touch your right shoulder.
• Repeat on the other side.

Benefits: “This simple twisting pose helps stimulate the abdominal organs, improves digestion and reduces trapped gases,” Himalayan yoga expert Siddhaa Akshar tells Health Shots. It also tones the waist and maintains the flexibility of your spine.

2. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

• Lie on your back, bend your knees and place your feet hip-width apart.
• Inhale as you lift your hips upward while keeping your shoulders and head on the ground.

Benefits: This pose strengthens the core, massages the abdominal organs and relieves gas and constipation by improving blood circulation in the digestive region.

3. Trikonasana (triangle pose)

• Stand with your legs wide apart.
• Extend your arms out to the side, lean toward your right foot, and place your right hand on your shin or the floor while looking up.
• Repeat on the left.

Benefits: It stretches the torso and stimulates the intestines, promoting better digestion and reducing bloating.

4. Uttana Shishosana (puppy pose)

• Start on all fours.
• Walk your hands forward and lower your chest toward the mat.
• Keep your hips above your knees.

Benefits: “This gentle stretch relaxes the abdominal muscles, eases the accumulation of gas and soothes the stomach,” says Akshar. It also relieves stress, often linked to digestive problems.

5. Pavanmuktasana (anti-wind pose)

• Lie flat, bring your knees toward your chest and wrap your arms around them.
• Raise your head toward your knees and hold for a few breaths.

Benefits: This pose helps release trapped gas, promotes bowel movements and strengthens the lower abdomen.

6. Paripurna Navasana (Boat Pose)

• Sit on the mat, lean back slightly and lift your legs off the floor to form a V shape with your body.
• Balance on your sit bones and keep your spine straight.

Benefits: Strengthens core muscles and stimulates the intestines, promoting better digestion and metabolism.

7. Apanasana (knees close to chest)

• Lie on your back, bring your knees closer to your chest and hold them gently.
• Breathe deeply and relax your lower abdomen.

Benefits: This calming pose improves bowel movement, reduces bloating, and helps relieve gas and indigestion.

8. Ardha Matsyendrasana (single leg seated spinal twist)

• Sit with one leg bent over the other.
• Turn your torso toward the bent knee, placing your opposite elbow outward.

Benefits: The twisting movements compress and detoxify the abdominal organs, stimulating digestion and reducing discomfort.

9. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

• Sit with your legs extended, inhale and stretch your arms.
• Exhale as you lean forward, reaching for your feet.

Benefits: “This pose gently massages the abdominal organs, improves metabolism and calms the nervous system,” suggests Akshar.

10. Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat and Cow Pose)

• Start on all fours.
• Inhale while arching your back (cow) and exhale while going around it (cat).
• Repeat slowly.

Benefits: The rhythmic movement stimulates blood flow to the stomach and intestines, improving digestion and relieving cramps.