Yoga Poses for Constipation

Just as yoga is good for increasing flexibility and overall wellness within the body, doing yoga can help the body’s digestive system. These poses help bring energy through the body, focusing on getting everything flowing properly. Keep in mind that when doing any sort of fitness like yoga, breathe in and out through your nose and go at your own pace. Take things slowly and practice various poses to see which work best for you.

Poses for Constipation

These poses have been known to aid digestive unease and constipation. Try the following poses to help your body.

1. Extended Child’s Pose

The extended child’s pose requires you to crouch with your knees at the floor. Once kneeling, push into your lower abdomen to help ease pain from constipation. As your knees are touching, make sure your bottom touches your feet. Put your hands on the mat in front of your knees, then move forward, placing your body down so your stomach reaches your knees. Stretch your hands in front of you.

Hold this pose for 30 seconds as you let your body’s weight rest on the floor. Your knees will push into your abdomen, providing relief for any discomfort.

2. Wind Relieving Pose

This pose is intended to help those of us dealing with excessive “wind”. The wind relieving pose is a way to deal with gassy feelings that come with constipation. Start this pose by lying on the floor, facing the ceiling. Stretch your legs out in front and have your arms by your side. The pelvis should be tilted upwards so the tailbone and spine are touching the mat.

Bring the right knee up to the chest. Put both hands below the knee and on top of each other. Bring your shin to your stomach so your abdomen is pushed against your shin. This pressure will help get rid of any flatulence and will also help massage your abdomen while you breathe during the pose. Hold this pose for 30 seconds, then lower the leg and repeat with the opposite leg.

All of these poses work well when dealing with side effects of constipation. Remember to try each pose daily, or whenever you feel constipated, for the best results. If you are a chronic constipation sufferer, yoga may not help as much as you’d wish. Contact a doctor if you find that you are still dealing with constipation issues.