How Yoga Benefits Digestion
As we all know doing yoga bring numerous health benefits that keep determined yogis healthy and happy. Some previous blog posts covered the benefits of yoga for sleep as well as anxiety and stress relief. Yoga also brings with it some amazing effects to our digestions. Some simple yoga poses can really boost our metabolisms by activating our digestion, massaging our internal organs and increasing blood flow. To experience some of these great effects give the following yoga poses a try!
Kapalabhati
To start off Kapalabhati is a great way to release toxins and start this short flow of five poses. Start off sitting cross legged with your hands on your abdomen. With slow, deep breaths feel your hands moving on your abdomen, get used to your breath. Start to emphasize your exhalation and feel your abdomen draw into your spine. Inhale again and then exhale with short, sharp exhalations. Practice for about 30 to 60 seconds. Finish by sitting straight and relaxed for another ten deep breaths. This yoga exercise will start to warm your center and help your digestion.
https://au.pinterest.com/pin/211880357446305182/
Navasana
This next yoga pose increases that created warmth to boost your digestion. Sit with your feet resting on the floor with your knees bent. Start to lift your your feet to a 45 degree angle to the ground. Keep your chest lifted and raise your arms for balance. Hold for five breaths then release feet back onto the ground and hug your knees while rounding your spine.
https://au.pinterest.com/pin/350577152224919740/
Seated Twist
The seated twist allows you to massage your internal organs, bringing more blood flow and oxygen leading to more efficient digestion. From a cross legged seating position lift your right leg and place your right foot on the outside of the left knee. Use your left arm on the outside of your right leg to gently twist your spine while looking over your right shoulder. Hold for five breaths and repeat on the other side.
https://au.pinterest.com/pin/152840981082328473/
Side Plank
Working your core through these poses brings heat to your abdomen that help facilitate digestion. From a planking position release your right arm and swivel your body, reaching your right arm towards the sky and holding your body weight on your left foot and left hand. Make sure to keep shoulders square and strong. Lift your waist to maintain strong in this pose for five breaths. Return to plank and continue with the other side. For an extra challenge try bending your left knee to touch your left elbow.
https://au.pinterest.com/pin/432486370444499451/
Downward Dog
From all fours come into Downward Dog by straightening arms and legs and lifting your waist to the sky. Straighten your back and push your weight into your heels. Hold the pose for five breaths, feeling your navel coming closer and closer to your spine. Downward Dog helps to continue building the warmth in your abdomen, and increasing blood flow to improve digestion.
https://au.pinterest.com/pin/403353710347293213/
By practising these poses you should boost your metabolism and realise the potential yoga has to benefit your digestion! Try incorporate warm teas and a variety of yoga snacks to generate that core warmth throughout the day. These yoga poses can be practised at home or while out and about. In no time your digestion will be improved and you'll have a fit toned yoga body.