Yoga Poses for Gas Relief
These are the best yoga poses to relieve discomfort caused by gas and bloating.
When it comes to eating, we’ve all overindulged at some point, and probably more than once! Eating too much food or eating the wrong foods can send your digestive system into a tizzy, causing bloating, gas and discomfort. The next time you’re suffering from these symptoms, try doing some yoga. The following poses are great for relieving gas (so much so, you’ll want to be alone when you do them).
By Jenny Sugar
Extended Wide Squat
Stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips. Bend your knees, and lower your hips down toward the ground. Walk your hands away from your feet and stay here for five breaths. Rocking from side to side can help put pressure on different parts of your belly.
Wide-Legged Forward Bend D
Stand with your feet about three to four feet apart with the heels slightly wider than your toes. Engage your abs and fold forward, hinging at your hips and leading with your chest. Hold your big toes with your first two fingers and thumb. If you can’t reach your toes, place your hands somewhere on your legs. Keep your elbows above your wrists, shoulders relaxed away from the ears. Keep your arms relaxed, and use your abs to pull your torso closer to your thighs. Stay here for five deep breaths.
Twisting Lizard
From a low lunge with the right knee bent, rest your left hand on the mat underneath your shoulder. Raise your right arm into the air and twist to the left, gazing behind you. Enjoy this pose for five breaths and then switch sides.
Seated Spinal Twist
Sit with your legs extended in front of you. Bend both knees, placing your left heel as close to your right sit bone as you can. Cross your right foot over your left knee and plant it on the floor so your outer right ankle is next to your left knee. Reach your right arm behind you, and place your palm on the floor. Cross your left elbow over your outer right thigh to gently increase the twist. Gaze behind you and over your right shoulder, staying here for five breaths (or longer — this pose is very effective!). Release the twist, straighten your legs out in front of you, and do this pose with your left knee pointing up.
Wide Child’s Pose
While on your hands and knees, sit back between your heels, exhaling as you lower your belly between your knees. Hold for five breaths, rocking the hips from side to side.
Knee to Chest
Lie on your back and gently bend your left knee into your chest. Clasp your hands in front of your shin and gently pull down to increase the stretch. Release any tension in your shoulders and neck. Keep your right leg relaxed in a comfortable position. Hold for five breaths and then repeat with the right knee bent.
Happy Baby
Lying on the back, bend both knees, and hold the outside edges of your flexed feet with your hands. Keep your arms on the outsides of your legs. Gently use your upper-body strength to equally press both knees to the floor below your armpits. Try not to tense your shoulders or chest, but keep everything relaxed. Stay here for five deep breaths.
All images courtesy of POPSUGAR Photography / Louisa Larson.
