5 Best Yoga Poses That Can Help Reduce Bloating

5 best yoga poses that can help reduce bloating

Bloating is an issue that is faced by a lot of people on a daily basis. It usually happens when your stomach feels swollen after eating and you start to feel uncomfortable or even gassy. Sometimes it might be caused by eating too much or too fast or by foods that are hard for your body to digest like beans or cabbage. Other times, it happens because you tend to swallow air when you eat or drink too quickly. Bloating can also happen when you are extremely stressed or anxious.

While bloating doesn’t pose any serious threats, however, feeling bloating on a regular basis can affect your overall health and well-being. Performing certain yoga poses can help reduce bloating and discomfort in the abdomen. Yoga can also help in digestion, reduce gas buildup and help you feel relaxed. Here, take a look at some of the best yoga poses that can help reduce bloating.

Seated Twist

Also known as Ardha Matsyendrasana, this pose helps in digestion and reduces bloating by massaging the abdominal organs.

To perform this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the outside of your left thigh. Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale and twist your torso to the right, placing your left elbow on the outside of your right knee. Hold the twist for a few breaths and then release. Repeat it on the other side.

Wind-Relieving Pose

Also known as Pavanamuktasana, this pose helps in reducing bloating and gas in the digestive system.

Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms by your sides. Inhale, then as you exhale, bend your knees and hug them into your chest. You can move from side to side to massage your lower back and hips.

Child’s Pose

Also known as Balasana, this pose adds pressure to the abdomen, helping to reduce digestive discomfort and relieve bloating.

Begin by sitting on your heels and then lowering your forehead to the mat and extending your arms forward. Allow your stomach to relax as you breathe deeply. Stay in this pose for a few breaths and then relax.

Downward-Facing Dog

Also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana, this pose improves blood flow to the digestive organs, thereby, promoting digestion and reducing bloating.

Begin on your hands and knees, tuck your toes and then lift your hips towards the ceiling and then come into an inverted V shape. Press your hands firmly into the mat and lengthen through your spine and legs. Take deep breaths and hold the pose for a few breaths.

Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose

Also known as Viparita Karani, this pose helps in relaxation, improves circulation and aids digestion, thereby, reducing bloating.

Sit sideways next to a wall with your hip touching it. Lie back and extend your legs up the wall, allowing your arms to rest by your sides. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Stay in this pose for a few minutes before you relax.