The Best Yoga Poses To Relieve Indigestion
No one likes experiencing indigestion. Whether it's bloating, gas, nausea, or pain, stomach issues can make us feel like crawling into bed for the rest of the day. While there are a few different options for relieving indigestion, you may be interested to hear that yoga might be able to help.
One of the reasons yoga can help with indigestion is that it promotes relaxation throughout the body. You should begin your practice in a seated position, which will allow you to relax and take plenty of deep breaths (via Health). A good pose to start with is called Apanasana. Lie on your back and pull your knees to your chest with your arms during a long inhale. Hold this pose for at least five breaths before letting go of your knees.
Another pose that can be used to soothe stomach bloating is a spinal twist. Lie on your back with your arms spread out wide to each side. Inhale and pull your knees to your chest. During your exhale, gently drop your knees to the left side of your body and use your hand to push them into a stretch. Hold the stretch for about five breaths before repeating on the other side.
Cat-Cow and Downward Facing Dog can also help with indigestion
According to Byrdie, the Cat-Cow pose can soothe indigestion by "massaging your internal organs to stimulate your digestive and reproductive systems." You can perform this pose by starting on your hands and knees. While you breathe in, pull your head and tailbone to the sky so your stomach sinks toward the ground. Hold this position for several seconds before exhaling. As you breathe out, curl your head down toward the ground and arch your back up toward the sky. Repeat this process about 10 times.
One of the most well-known yoga poses, Downward Facing Dog, gently compresses your kidneys, liver, and spleen, which can help get your digestive tract moving. You can perform this move by beginning in an upward plank position with your hands under your shoulders and your feet hip-width apart. Keeping your hands and feet on the ground, move your hips up toward the sky. You can bend your knees as necessary. Hold this pose for about five breaths and repeat as many times as you would like.