Yoga For Digestive System


The digestive system is an integral component of our bodies. It is here that food gets processed and energy is generated. In the context of Ayurveda, a well-functioning digestive system is an essence in maintaining daily life. Many diseases are born when the digestive system fails to perform its functions effectively. Through this blog, we shall share some insights as to the importance of yoga for digestive system.

Before we head into the different poses of yoga, let’s understand what compensates the digestive system

1. MAJOR PARTS OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

The main organs responsible for performing activities of the human body are:

  • Stomach

It is here that the food we eat arrives. At first, there are no contractions but later the churning commences. Likewise, the stomach is responsible for disintegrating food both chemically and physically. The stomach uses its walls, acid, and enzymes to carry out this procedure. By doing yoga for digestive system, we can enhance the food digestion process by digestive fire.

  • Small intestine

The stomach converts the food into chyme and sends it to the small intestine. Here, the small intestine carries out functions like secretion, digestion, and absorption. It does so by contracting the muscle walls time and again. The process is a bit complicated to explain in this yoga blog so we’ll leave it here.

  • Colon

Once the small intestine performs its functions, the chyme enters the colon. It absorbs the remaining nutrients and the remaining matter presses against the colon walls. From here, the food is excreted out of the body.

Now that you have understood the major components of the digestive system, let’s look at yoga for digestive system.

Various factors affect our digestive system. They are:

  • Stress
  • Diet
  • Rest
  • Exercise and other activities
  • Diseases
  • Travel details
  • Environmental scenario
  • Antibiotics

You should understand that yoga does not control all the factors. However, it works on the majority of them. 

2. HOW DOES YOGA WORK FOR DIGESTION SYSTEM?

Yoga for digestive system works through the following ways:

  • Maintenance 

Yoga works as a maintenance tool that helps in keeping recurring digestive issues in check. For example, irritable bowel syndrome. It further balances the digestive system and promotes a healthy life.

  • Prevention

When you practice yoga, you are preventing harmful diseases from coming near you. It not only aids in protecting the digestive system but it helps to maintain mental and physical well-being.

  • Curing 

Many people practice yoga as it is known to treat digestive issues like cramping, bloating, and healthy elimination. Furthermore, it also addresses the issue of a sensitive stomach.

  • Rehabilitation

Yoga is useful in terms of rehabilitation too. People use yoga poses, meditation, and breathing exercises to shorten recovery duration for digestive problems. It is one of the many benefits of yoga for digestive system.

3. YOGA POSES FOR BETTER DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Some yoga poses that you can choose to promote your digestive system are:

  • Marjaryasana-Bitilasana
  • Trikonasana
  • Uttana Shishosana
  • Adho Mukha Svanasana
  • Paschimottasana
  • Setu Bandha Saravangasana
  • Ardha Pawamuktasana

4. OTHER BENEFITS 

In addition to the benefits stated above, here are some other benefits of yoga for digestive system.

  • Stress management 

The undeniable perk of yoga is that it helps to manage the stress. The digestive system works efficiently when the body is at rest. So, yoga helps to manage the stress levels and due to that, the digestive system functions smoothly. Moreover, this stress management tool helps to maintain a healthy level of gut bacteria. 

  • Quality sleep

By practicing yoga, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep. While asleep, the body performs a variety of activities and digestion is one of them. So, through proper rest, you are promoting proper digestion too.

These are the benefits that yoga provides to the digestive system. We hope that you practice yoga and maintain your digestive system.