Yoga combines physical, mental, and spiritual practices, using various body positions and breathing techniques. Not everyone is comfortable with moving around, looking bloated; you can always try a natural cure by practicing some yoga moves.
Some of the benefits yoga gives include: emotional well-being for calmness, clarity and strength of mind and body. So, rather than jumping on your couch to relax after feeding so full till you bloat, why not try these yoga poses?
1. Knees hugged to chest
This pose is commonly known as the wind-relieving pose, and it functions to relieve bloating and gas pains. To do this, lie on your back; inhale while you place your hand on your shin or behind your thighs. Once that is done, exhale and hug your knees into your chest, keeping your head and shoulders on the ground..
Now, rock side-to-side gently, to help maximize the stretch. Hold this pose for about 10 breaths, and then release your knees. Breathe deeply to deepen the posture for a minute or two. This pose is known to focus on moving energy in the body that maintains elimination.
2. Seated forward bend
This pose works effectively to relax the whole body, and it also benefits digestion and reduce bloating. To do this, sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you, and your back upright. Bend forward from your hips, slowly, and lower your torso towards the floor.
Maintain this pose for 5 to 10 deep breaths, and lower yourself as much as you can. While you do this, ensure your back stays straight and you do not overstretch yourself, to ensure you are doing it right. You can intensify the stretch by breathing deeply.
3. Seated heart opener
This is especially effective when you’ve eaten too much, and it works to stretch out the belly and also ease stomach cramps. To do this, sit on your heels and lean back, with your palms about 8 inches right behind you and your fingertips directed away from you.
Once that is done, press your hands sown to the ground, then lift your chest and arch your back. At this point, you should feel your hips pushing into your heels. To increase the stretch, you can lower your head behind you and feel the stretch in your throat and chest. Maintain for 5 breaths, and then sit up.
4. Downward facing dog
This pose stretches, warms up, rejuvenates, and energizes the whole body, in order to stimulate digestion. To do this, stand with your feet hip-width apart, keeping your arms by your side, and your toes spread, such that your balance is even between both feet.
With your back upright, bend forward at the waist, keeping your palms flat on the floor and your fingers pointing forward and spread apart. Now, step each foot back, so that you are in the top part of a push-up. Then, keep your hands beneath your shoulders and your palms flat on the floor. Once that is done, lift your hips towards your toes and then press your heels to the floor. Then, breathe deeply and with each exhalation, move deeper into the pose.
image couresy: bloomyoganj.com, mindfulbody.com, yogacurious.com, yoganonymous.com.
