It is believed that a vast number of diseases today result from our negligence toward what we eat, how we eat, when and in what amount we eat. One of the most common ailments that affect us is a form of indigestion called acidity where gastric juices are over-produced in our stomach. The over-secretion of the gastric juices can be very hazardous as they eat away the stomach lining, leading to gastritis and peptic ulcers.
It is believed that a vast number of diseases today result from our negligence toward what we eat, how we eat, when and in what amount we eat. One of the most common ailments that affect us is a form of indigestion called acidity where gastric juices are over-produced in our stomach. The over-secretion of the gastric juices can be very hazardous as they eat away the stomach lining, leading to gastritis and peptic ulcers.
Embarking on a yoga journey can be your first step towards better digestion. Through yogic techniques and dietary changes, you can control and even eliminate acidity, balancing the functioning of the digestive system and lowering the levels of stress, which is the cause of many diseases.
Supta badha konasana or reclined bound angle pose
Like many restorative yoga asanas, this asana is excellent to support your digestion. This pose relieves gas from the system and treats chronic acidity.
Steps to do the pose:
- From badhakonasana or cobbler’s pose, lean backwards and get your elbows to the floor.
- Now lower your back to the floor and hold this pose for a few minutes.
- To come out of the pose, roll over to your right side and slowly sit up. You can use your hands as a support to get up.
Caution: Do not perform this pose if you are pregnant or have a shoulder injury.
Setubandhasana or bridge pose
The lining of our stomach is extremely sensitive, and acidity can erode the wall. Along with our lack of mindful eating, stress also affects our digestive organs. Therefore, de-stressing the mind becomes as important as strengthening our abdominal organs. Practise back bending postures such as setubandhasana to cool both your mind and your body.
Steps to do the pose:
- Lie on the yoga mat with your back on it. Now bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. While you do this, keep your arms by the sides of your body.
- Breathing out, shift your weight to your arms and push your pelvis off the floor, toward the ceiling.
- Keep your body lifted so that your neck and head still lie flat on the floor.
- Hold this position for five steady breaths and slowly bring down your body.
Halasana or plough pose
Halasana is excellent in dealing with acidity. The asana helps you get a tranquil mind and body that can help control the secretion of gastric juices in your stomach and control acidity.
Steps to do the pose:
- Lie flat with your back on the floor. Place your arms on the sides of your body.
- Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Now, gently raise your legs from the hips. You can place your hands on your hips for support.
- Now bend your legs and try to touch the floor behind your head with your toes. Now straighten your hands, so they lie flat on the floor.
- To return to the starting position, gently roll your back onto the floor.
Vajrasana
Performing this asana immediately after your meal can increase blood flow to the stomach and intestines and aid in the digestion process. By regular practise of this asana, you can clean your whole digestive system. Make a habit to sit in vajrasana 10-15 minutes after your meals. This pranayama will also aid in better digestion.
Steps to do the pose:
- Kneel on a yoga mat and let the top surface of your feet touch the mat. Your heels should be pointing upwards.
- Now gently sit with your buttocks on your heels.
- Now place both your palms on your knees. You may close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Originally published on www.thehealthsite.com
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