Improve Digestion

Yoga offers many detoxification practices that help improve the digestive system and the bowel movement.

Some of the simplest ones are the yoga poses that create pressure in the abdomen and stimulate the natural movement of food in the intestines.

Below are some of the most effective ones. They can be practiced as a short routine or combined with any other sequence.

1. The low lunge.

Right left forward first.

Make sure to press the right side of the belly into the front thigh to compress and stimulate the ascending colon of the large intestine.

Stay here for a few breaths the belly into the thigh.

Left leg forward last.

This will press onto the descending colon on the left side of the abdominal cavity.

2. Next, the Bow Pose.

Bend the knees, and reach back for your feet.

If it’s uncomfortable to reach the feet, simply reach back. Remember it’s not about how far you can come up. It’s about improving digestion.

Breathe into the belly.

Try to create gentle rocking on the belly with your breath.

3. Seiza – Japanese style sitting

This simple pose ‘squeezes’ the blood from the legs into the abdomen and helps digestion. That’s the reason the Japanese traditionally eat in this position.

Try to sit on the heels.

If it’s uncomfortable for the knees or ankles, use blankets or pillows under the ankles and under the thighs.

Stay here for at least 1 minute, breathing fully into the belly.

Good luck and expect to go to the bathroom!