Yoga For Digestion: 5 Asanas For Strong Digestive System

Yoga For Digestion: Certain yoga asanas cleanse, stimulate, and encourage good digestive function.

Yoga For Digestion: The human body is a complex and intricate system that is capable of wonderful feats. The body needs nourishment for its proper functioning. It derives its nutrients from the food and drink that we consume. Digestion is an important process that provides your body with proteins, fats, carbohydrates; vitamins, minerals, and water. To stay healthy, you need to ensure the smooth functioning of the gut. The digestive system breaks down nutrients and absorbs it in the body for energy, growth, and cell repair.

Himalayan Siddha, Grand Master Akshar shares 5 yoga asanas for better digestion. Certain yoga asanas cleanse, stimulate, and encourage good digestive function. Vajrasana is the only asana that can be performed immediately after consuming food. Try to hold each asana for up to 30 seconds and repeat for 5 sets.

• Sukhasana (Happy Pose)

Formation of the posture

• Sit in an upright position with both legs stretched out
• Fold the left leg and tuck it inside the right thigh
• Then fold the right leg and tuck it inside the left thigh
• Place your palms on the knees
• Sit erect with spine straight

Dandasana (Staff Pose)

Formation of the posture

• Start in a seated position and stretch your legs out forward.
• Join your legs bringing your heels together
• Keep your back straight
• Tighten the muscles of your pelvis, thighs and calves
• Look ahead
• Place your palms beside your hips on the floor to support your spine
• Relax your shoulders

Malasana (Waste Evacuation Pose)

Formation of the posture

• Begin by standing straight with your arms by the sides of your body
• Bend your knees, lower your pelvis and place it over your heels
• Ensure that your feet remain flat on the floor
• You may either place your palms on the floor beside your feet or join them in front of your chest in a gesture of prayer
• Spine remains erect

Marjariasana (Cat-Cow Pose)

Formation of the posture

Urdhva Mukhi Marjari Asana

• Get down on your knees, place palms under shoulders and knees under hips
• Inhale, curve your spine to lookup

Adho Mukhi Marjari Asana

• Exhale, curve your spine to form an arch of the back and allow your neck to drop down
• Focus your gaze towards your chest

Vajrasana (Thunderbolt pose)

Formation of the Posture

• Kneel down and rest the pelvis on your heels
• Keep your heels slightly apart
• Place palms on your knees
• Straighten your back and look forward

Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

• Kneel on the yoga mat and place your hands on the hips.
• Simultaneously, arch your back and slide your palms over your feet till the arms are straight.
•  Do not strain your neck but keep it in a neutral position.
• Breathe out and slowly come back to the initial pose.

To improve your digestion, avoid eating out too often. Opt for home-cooked meals and reduce spicy, processed food, or foods that are high in fat or sugar content. Include lots of fibre as this is good for digestion. Consume healthy fats for your quota of good cholesterol for your heart health. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. With the practise of yoga, you can manage your stress, regulate your sleep, and train yourself to eat mindfully.