stomach

It is fairly common these days to suffer from digestive problems or stomach ailments. The ever rising stress levels in our lives are the cause of this. Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, acid reflux, gas and so on can all be treated by practicing yoga. Yoga can help to treat stomach ailments to a certain extent. If after practicing the yoga poses, you do not find any relief, it is advisable to contact a medical professional who will guide you further.

Yoga poses can help you to deal with digestive problems. Regular practice of yoga postures daily help to increase the absorption of food and thereby improve gastrointestinal circulation. The amount of acid in the digestive enzymes is also reduced by these yoga poses. Yoga poses will help you with stomach ailments and you will also find that you are a healthier and fitter person. Yoga is known to relax people and help them to deal with stress. By relaxing yourself, you will be getting rid of at least one cause of stomach problems, which is stress. Yoga involves both the soul and the mind and results in complete well being.

Vajrasana is a meditative asana that is particularly beneficial for people who suffer with diabetes  and also helps rectify stomach problems. This is because it activates the organs in the abdomen.

The following poses are recommended for stomach problems:-

• Trikonasana ( Triangle Pose)
•  Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
• Parvritta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose)
• Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)
• Virabhadrasana II(Warrior II)
• Virabhadrasana III ( Warrior III)
• Ustrasana( Camel Pose)
• Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose or Crescent Moon Pose)

Inverted poses are also helpful in relieving stomach pain or problems. These are helpful in dealing with constipation and are helpful with digestion as well. An inverted pose is one where the legs are above the heart. For best results, hold these inverted poses for at least a few minutes and definitely up to 15 minutes. These poses reverse the impact of gravity on the intestines. Some of these inverted poses are:-

Sarvangasana( Shoulder Stand) – all variations of this stand are good for stomach complaints as well.
Sirsasana- Head stand

Forward bends such as the ones given below are beneficial too.

• Uttanasana(Standing Forward Bend)
• Marichyasana (Sage Twist)
• Janu Sirsasana( Head to Knee Forward Bend)

As always, do check with your doctor before trying out any pose. Some poses which involve extreme twisting are not advised for persons who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.