Fast-paced lifestyles frequently result in mental and physical exhaustion. This burnout is common in the digestive system, especially if we do not give the body a chance to rest, digest, rejuvenate, and restore. Let’s look at why we need a slower pace to promote digestion and go over some yoga postures that can help us get there.
What exactly happens during digestion?
Our nervous system is divided into two sections: sympathetic (responsible for “fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (responsible for “rest and digest”). These systems collaborate to keep our bodies running without our conscious awareness. The senses become heightened in the fight-or-flight state, the adrenalin rush starts to flow, and our heart rate rises allowing blood to flow toward the muscle groups.
When the rest and digest response is activated, the breath and heart rate both slow down. The body can concentrate on digestion, which includes extracting and digesting food nutrients. In this state, the elimination organs also get active, allowing the body to process and discharge. Thus the digestive system is closely related to the nervous system and for overall physical well-being, one needs to have a proper digestive system. In this article Open Circle Yoga Studio will take you through tips and yoga poses that will help you have a better digestive system.
Yoga Poses for Better Digestion
Before you begin, keep in mind that it is best to avoid practicing yoga on an empty stomach. Avoid eating two hours before your practice to allow your body to begin its digestive process. It should also be noted that digestive problems can be complex and different for different individuals. If you are worried about your digestive health, always consult your doctor before you start anything new. Attending reputed yoga classes in Abu Dhabi usually helps you to practice yoga adequately, so begin your yoga journey at renowned and reputed yoga studios such as Open Circle Yoga studio.
Childs Pose With Feet Inward
Child’s pose, also known as Balasana, is a popular restorative yoga posture. The belly and chest rest on the thighs in the full expression of the pose, creating a gentle compression. Make fists with both hands to increase the compression in the lower abdomen. Place your fists in the fleshy area of the lower abdomen. Increase the pressure in your fists to intensify the compression. This yoga pose is one of the easiest restorative and digestive yoga pose. Although this is a simple-looking yoga pose you can try its advanced variations by joining a leading and reputed yoga studio in Abu Dhabi.
Supported Bridge Pose
Supported bridge pose or Setu bandha Sarvangasana is a gentle backbend that opens the chest and stretches the front part of the body. By using a block for support, this normally active pose is transformed into a restful, restorative one. As you enter the pose, place a block gently beneath your sacrum. Depending on how you turn the yoga blocks you can change the intensity of this pose. You have three options using blocks so take your time to find out the level of intensity that is comfortable and allows you to rest. Relax your body and breathe after you have determined the proper block height. This is also one of the best and easy yoga poses that you can perform even at home.
Half Frog Pose
The half-frog pose is derived from Yin Yoga. If you sleep on your stomach, you may do so to lull yourself to sleep. Lying on the belly compresses the digestive system gently, and when you bend one knee up and bring it towards your chest it activates the rest and digestive response in your body. You can use a blanket to rest your knee and place it on a folded blanket for added comfort. Maintain the pose on both sides for at least 30 seconds up to a couple of minutes.
Crocodile Pose with Heat Pad
Heat and rest are sometimes required by the digestive system. Makarasana is an excellent place and yoga asana to do this. Place your version of a heating pad (Open Circle Yoga studio’s favorite is rice in a long sock that you can microwave) just below the navel. Lie flat on your stomach and bend your elbows, and place one of your cheeks on the top of your hands, you can place any cheek that makes you comfortable. Relax and concentrate on your breathing.
It takes practice to respond with “rest and digest.” The mind must allow the physical body to slow down and the rest and digest process to activate for the physical body to slow down. Allow yourself space and time to rest, relax, and be present.
Apanasana
When you are feeling bloated, Apanasana, or wind-relieving pose, is said to be one of the best asanas for releasing ‘wind’ and any trapped gases from your body. Apanasana proves very helpful as oftentimes trapped gases are the major reason for poor digestion and it leads to serious problems such as severe chest pain. Recline on your back and draw your knees in toward your chest. Wrap your hands around your shins and hug them tight. To explore the posture, rock right to left, keeping the knees in toward the chest the entire time. You can join private yoga classes in Abu Dhabi at Open Circle Yoga Studio and get the best results.
Reclined Baddha Konasana With Self Massage
Supta baddha konasana relaxes the back while opening the hips. To provide support, place blocks under the thighs or upper back. Press about an inch below the navel with your pointer and middle finger, moving in a circular motion for 10 seconds. This yoga pose not only helps with improving your digestion but also helps you in improving fertility and is immensely helpful for PCOD patients. To get the best result of this yoga pose, join one of the best yoga classes in Abu Dhabi and practice it under the guidance of a certified yoga teacher in Abu Dhabi.
