admin Whatever the cause–hormones, overeating, or poor digestion –feeling bloated is a sure sign that your system is imbalanced and could benefit from some yoga. My current read is a fantastic book, Energy Medicine, by world-renowned healer Donna Eden, who states that “Matter follows energy.”
Yoga is not just a physical form of exercise but also a way to move that benefits both our physical and energetic bodies. Here are five yoga poses that will help you get rid of bloat.
As you move through these positions, start counting the lengths of your exhalations and inhalations. T.K. Desikachar is one of the most influential and well-known modern yogis. In The Heart of Yoga, he discusses the importance of breathing to remove waste material (both physical and energetic) from your body. He says that exhaling is crucial to breaking through these blocks.
To get the most benefit, aim to breathe in for four counts and exhale for eight during these poses for bloating.
Legs up the Wall
Viparita Karan is my favorite way to move blocked energy from my body. I like to do it upside down. You don’t need to do an advanced inversion. Place your bottom against a wall and lift your legs into the air. Allow the wall to support your legs, then release your torso to the floor or mat. Keep this position for a few minutes and notice the changes in energy flow. Remember to breathe deeply.
This posture begins our anti-bloat series by letting your mind and body know you are open to changes, both physical as well as energetic. This posture will activate the rest and digest response, which is also known as the parasympathetic nerve system. It starts with both the digestive and immune systems.
Knees to chest pose
The knee-to-chest pose is an excellent place to begin if you have digestive problems. This is one of the most effective poses for releasing gas. You can give yourself a gentle internal massage by bringing your knees towards your chest. Don’t worry if you don’t manage to get them there. Just do your best. This will gently help move any trapped gas that is contributing to your bloating.
Keep your head down, or draw your nose towards your knees. Continue to breathe fully, with a four-count inhale followed by an eight-count exhale for five breath cycles.
Reclined Bound angle
A feeling of constriction often accompanies bloating. What is the antidote for bloating? The Reclined Bound Angle Pose creates a wonderful sense of opening in the entire body. Although this can be done without props, I like to elevate this pose by placing bolsters and blocks under my open knees.
Breathe deeply and open your arms wide. Here, let the energy that you released in your previous poses flow throughout your body. Feel your belly rising as you inhale. Allow the stomach to draw towards the spine on the exhale.
Child Pose
Imagine that you are flipping the Knees to Chest pose onto your belly. Remember how good it felt when you brought your stomach up to your knees? The child’s pose has a similar effect. Keep your knees close together. We sometimes do this pose with our legs wide apart in order to reduce bloating. Feel your stomach move towards your thighs. Extend your arms. The elbows can be raised or resting on the ground.
Bring a blanket under your bottom. The goal is to gently press down on the abdomen in order to move energy and release blockages. This will help bring your body back into balance.
Prone Pose
It’s easy to do, but this yoga pose for bloating is very effective for digestive issues. To do so, lie on your back. The arms can be positioned at the goalposts or by your side. You can place your forehead on a pillow or tilt your head sideways. Bring your attention to the belly and breathe deeply in and out. You will notice that your body’s position against the mat creates natural pressure, which gently massages your internal organs.
Place a blanket folded under your stomach, just below your navel. The blanket will increase the pressure on your stomach. If you feel this is too much or causing discomfort, remove the veil or flatten it a little. Place a bolster beneath your feet.
Does Putting Your Legs Up Help Bloating?
You will activate your “rest-and-digest” response when you hold your Legs Up to the Wall for a longer time with slow and rhythmic breathing. In this state, your body will actively digest any food you’ve eaten, as well as repair and heal the body.
If bloating persists after a few days, you should consult your doctor. Women, in particular, should have persistent bloating checked to rule out more serious conditions. According to one of my teachers, the East’s philosophy and the West’s science are meant as a complement. Take time to pay attention to your body’s needs and to how it feels.
