There’s a significant difference between enduring stomach pain and constipation and taking action to relieve it.
The difference comes down to choices.
Living with the discomfort is an easy path, but it conceals the possibility of relief.
Choosing yoga, however, opens up a world of options, offering solutions that are natural and effective.
Yoga doesn’t just soothe the mind—it can also help alleviate physical discomfort.
And those in the know understand that certain poses can specifically target stomach pain and constipation.
In this article, I’m going to share eight yoga poses that can help.
1) Child’s pose
In the realm of yoga, not all poses are created equal.
Especially when it comes to dealing with stomach pain and constipation.
Yoga enthusiasts understand the power of a pose like the Child’s Pose.
When you’re faced with discomfort, it can be tough to know where to start.
But seasoned yogis swear by the simplicity and effectiveness of this pose.
The Child’s Pose, also known as Balasana, is a go-to move in yoga for calming the body and mind.
But did you know it’s also great for alleviating stomach pain and constipation?
This restorative pose gently stretches your lower back, hips, thighs, and ankles, while encouraging movement in your digestive system.
2) Wind-relieving pose
If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of bloating or constipation, you’ll understand how amazing it feels to find relief.
And that’s exactly what happened to me when I discovered the Wind-Relieving Pose.
This pose, also known as Pawanmuktasana, is a real game-changer for digestive issues.
I recall one particularly uncomfortable day when I felt bloated and sluggish.
The discomfort was almost unbearable.
Desperate for relief, I decided to try the Wind-Relieving Pose.
As I lay on my back, pulled my knees into my chest, and gently pressed them against my abdomen, I could actually feel my stomach starting to relax.
The pressure applied to the abdomen stimulates the bowel movement and helps in expelling trapped gases in the digestive system.
By the time I released the pose, I was already feeling lighter and less bloated.
The discomfort had significantly subsided.
So from personal experience, I can vouch for the effectiveness of this pose in alleviating stomach pain and constipation.
Just remember to breathe deeply and allow your body to relax into the pose for maximum benefits.
3) Seated forward bend
The Seated Forward Bend, also known as Paschimottanasana, is another pose that’s great for digestion.
But that’s not its only superpower.
In the world of yoga, this pose is considered a classic.
It’s part of the traditional Hatha yoga sequence and has been practiced for centuries for its numerous benefits.
One of these benefits is the stimulation of the digestive system.
By bending forward from the hips and keeping your stomach pressed against your thighs, you’re giving your gut a gentle internal massage.
This action can aid digestion, relieve bloating and constipation, and even stimulate your liver and kidneys.
Not to mention, it’s also a great stress reliever and can help calm your mind.
So next time you’re feeling blocked up, take a seat, stretch those legs out in front of you and give the Seated Forward Bend a try.
You might be surprised at how much better you feel.
4) Supine twist
Battling with discomfort in the stomach can feel like a losing game.
But with the Supine Twist, or Supta Matsyendrasana, you have a powerful weapon in your arsenal.
This pose is a gentle way to wake up your digestive system and get things moving.
By twisting your torso, you’re aiding the transport of food along your digestive tract and promoting healthy elimination.
To get into this pose, simply lie on your back, draw one knee towards your chest, and then gently guide it across your body.
Extend your other arm out to the side and turn your head to face your extended hand.
Remember to breathe deeply and switch sides to ensure balance in your body.
The Supine Twist is more than just a simple yoga pose – it’s a natural remedy to help soothe stomach pain and kick constipation to the curb.
Try it for yourself and feel the difference.
5) Cat-cow pose
For anyone who’s ever experienced the discomfort of stomach pain and constipation, know that you’re not alone.
It’s a struggle many of us face, but thankfully, yoga offers some effective solutions.
One such solution is the Cat-Cow Pose, a simple yet powerful sequence that can do wonders for your digestive health.
These poses, performed in a flowing sequence, involve alternately arching your back (Cat) and then lifting your chest and tailbone (Cow).
This movement not only aids in spinal flexibility but also stimulates the digestive tract and relieves tension in the abdominal area.
The beauty of the Cat-Cow Pose lies in its simplicity – it’s easy to practice, gentle on the body, and can be performed just about anywhere.
So next time stomach discomfort strikes, remember to breathe, move with intention, and trust in the healing power of yoga.
The Cat-Cow Pose is there to help guide you towards relief and comfort.
6) Extended Triangle pose
There was a time when I was sceptical about the power of yoga.
It was the Extended Triangle Pose, or Trikonasana, that changed my mind.
This pose, which involves spreading your feet wide and reaching one hand to the ground while extending the other skyward, seemed overly simple.
How could something so basic help with something as complex as digestion?
But I was desperate for relief from the constant discomfort of stomach pain and constipation.
So, I tried it.
As I stretched my body, I could feel a gentle pressure on my abdomen.
Slowly but surely, this pose began to alleviate the bloating and discomfort I was experiencing.
The Extended Triangle Pose taught me an important lesson – sometimes, it’s the simplest solutions that are the most effective.
Since then, it has become a regular part of my yoga practice and continues to provide much-needed relief.
7) Camel pose
The Camel Pose, or Ustrasana, might seem a little intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize its immense potential in relieving stomach pain and constipation.
This backbend pose is known to open up your abdominal area, which in turn stimulates your digestive system.
By doing so, it helps to relieve constipation and can also aid in eliminating bloating and gas.
To practice this pose, kneel on your mat with your knees hip-width apart.
Slowly reach back and try to place your hands on your heels.
Push your hips forward while keeping your thighs perpendicular to the floor.
Remember, it’s not about how deep you can go into the pose but about listening to your body and doing what feels right for you.
The Camel Pose is a testament to the fact that sometimes, you need to bend backwards (literally!) to move forward in your journey towards digestive health.
8) Corpse pose
Don’t let the name fool you – the Corpse Pose, or Savasana, is far from lifeless.
In fact, it’s often considered the most crucial part of a yoga practice.
This pose involves lying flat on your back, legs apart, arms by your sides, palms facing up, and eyes closed.
Basically, it’s like playing dead. But why is this seemingly simple pose so important?
Savasana allows your body to absorb all the benefits of the poses you’ve just practiced.
It gives your body time to rest, reset and rejuvenate.
And when it comes to digestive health, this restful pose can help reduce stress and anxiety – two factors that often contribute to stomach pain and constipation.
So, after all the stretching, bending, and twisting, make sure to end your practice with Savasana.
It’s your body’s time to relax and heal – an important step in addressing stomach pain and constipation through yoga.
It’s about balance
The complexities of our bodies and their responses to discomfort often find solace in the most natural remedies.
One such remedy is yoga, a practice that has been around for centuries, providing relief and balance to millions worldwide.
These eight yoga poses we’ve explored are more than just movements.
They’re a testament to the power of mindfulness and the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Each pose serves as a gentle nudge, encouraging your digestive system to function at its best.
From Child’s Pose to Corpse Pose, every stance holds the potential to alleviate stomach pain and constify, offering you a sense of relief and well-being.
So next time you’re faced with discomfort, roll out your mat and breathe deeply.
Whether it’s through the gentle twist of the Supine Twist or the calming stillness of Savasana, remember that the answer might just lie in these eight poses.
After all, yoga is more than just a physical practice.
It’s a journey towards balance, health and inner peace.
And perhaps, that’s exactly what we need when dealing with something as discomforting as stomach pain and constipation.
