Now that the holidays are over and we have indulged (and overindulged) you might be feeling a wee bit bloated. Not to fear, there’s always time to make healthier choices especially when you’re not being tempted by Christmas cookies, and nog, and Chinese food, and champagne, and we go on.
Here are some ways that Yoga can help aid with digestion and feeling more comfortable in your body post-holiday season.
General yoga info: Yoga reduces stress, a trigger for digestive issues. Yoga encourages relaxation, which aids in good digestion. Plus, pranayama (yogic breathing) and meditation work in tandem to relieve anxiety and improve all of the body’s functions. Plus, yoga postures actually stimulate the muscles and organs that help with digestion and elimination. They actually help massage your stomach and intestines, and bring increased blood flow to the entire digestive system. This helps reduce inflammation and bloating, and allows everything to work as intended.
Additionally, a healthy yoga lifestyle encourages good hydration and nutrition, diet and restful sleep, all of which contribute to happy bodies and tummies.
Now, let’s talk about some specific positions that can really help those dealing with those post-holiday digestive woes:
It doesn’t get more Yoga 101 than Downward Facing Dog. With hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until your body resembles an inverted V shape. Lifting your hips and stretching your arms elongates the torso and spine, helping your digestive organs especially if you hold the position for a couple minutes.
Knees-to-Chest pose will have you flat on your back and as you bring your knees to your chest, wrap your arms around your legs just below the knees. Rock gently from side to side, and yes – this position is excellent if you need to pass gas to relieve discomfort!
Child’s Pose is similar to the reverse of Knees-to-Chest and is often part of a flow practice that includes Downward Dog and table top pose. From hands and knees on floor, lower yourself while shifting your butt back toward your heels. Your big toes will be touching, and as you keep lowering yourself, your forehead will come to your mat and the body will flatten down. This lets your spine lengthen and reduces pressure from hips and other areas we overuse with sitting and standing. Breathe deeply, and feel your stomach relax as your body sinks into the floor.
Cat-Cow is an extension of table top, where you move your spine up and down with hands and knees on the floor. Cat pose rounds your back towards the sky, strengthening your spine, and Cow pose tilts your hips up and lowers your belly while lifting your head. This back and forth movement is ideal for that internal massage that your intestines need to relax and release.
Embrace the New Year and a new season of taking care of yourself through yoga and great nutrition!