Gastric issues like bloating, acidity, and indigestion can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. The good news? Yoga offers natural and effective relief! Practicing specific yoga asanas helps stimulate digestion, reduce stress (a major cause of stomach issues), and promote overall gut health. Let’s explore the causes of gastric problems and the best yoga poses to alleviate them.
Common Causes of Gastric Problems & Acidity
1. Eating Habits
Eating too fast, chewing gum, or drinking carbonated beverages can cause excessive air swallowing, which can lead to bloating and gas.
2. High-Fiber Foods
While fiber is essential for digestion, excessive consumption of beans, whole grains, and lentils can lead to gas buildup.
3. Food Intolerances & Allergies
Lactose and gluten intolerances make digestion difficult, resulting in bloating, acidity, and discomfort.
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Conditions like IBS and Crohn’s disease can slow digestion, producing excessive gas and acidity.
5. Medications
Certain medications, including antacids and painkillers, may interfere with digestion and cause bloating.
13 Yoga Asanas for Gastric Problems
These yoga poses help relieve bloating, stimulate digestion, and improve gut health.
1. Apanasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)
This pose massages the abdominal organs, relieving gas and bloating.
How to: Lie on your back, bring your knees to your chest, and hug them. Rock gently for a few breaths.
2. Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute Pose)
A gentle stretch that helps ease stomach discomfort and aids digestion.
How to: Stand or sit with arms raised overhead, keeping your shoulders relaxed.
3. Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
Opens the chest, engages the core, and improves digestion.
How to: Stand with feet apart, bend your knees, and extend your arms upward.
4. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
A deep stretch that relieves stress and enhances digestion.
How to: Sit with your legs extended, reach forward, and touch your toes while keeping your spine long.
5. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
This calming pose relaxes the stomach and relieves bloating.
How to: Sit on your heels, extend your arms forward, and lower your chest to the floor.
6. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
Improves circulation and reduces inflammation.
How to: Form an inverted V-shape with your body, firmly pressing your hands and feet into the mat.
7. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
Stimulates digestion and relieves gas buildup.
How to: Stand feet wide apart, stretch one arm down to the ankle and the other upwards.
8. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
A great pose for relieving bloating and acidity.
How to: Lie on your back, bend your knees, and lift your hips off the ground.
9. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
This pose aids digestion by improving blood circulation.
How to: Bend forward from the waist, reaching toward your toes.
10. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Relaxes the body and promotes digestion.
How to: Lie on your back, relax your arms, and breathe deeply.
11. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Improves digestion and alleviates gas discomfort.
How to: Lie on your stomach and lift your upper body using your arms.
12. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Stimulates the digestive system and detoxifies the body.
How to: Lie on your stomach, grab your ankles, and lift your chest and legs off the ground.
13. Pavanamuktasana (Gas-Relieving Pose)
Perfect for relieving trapped gas and bloating.
How to: Lie on your back, bring your knees to your chest, and gently rock side to side.
5 Home Remedies for Gastric Problems
Pair these remedies with yoga for maximum digestive relief.
1. Herbal Tea
Chamomile, ginger, or peppermint tea soothes the stomach and aids digestion.
2. Fennel Seeds
Chewing fennel seeds after meals reduces bloating and gas.
3. Clove Oil
Adding a drop of clove oil to warm water improves digestion and reduces acidity.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
A tablespoon of warm water before meals can help reduce bloating.
5. Probiotics
Yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods introduce good bacteria, promoting gut health.
Final Thoughts
Yoga is a natural and effective way to relieve gastric problems, reduce bloating, and improve digestion. By incorporating these asanas into your daily routine and pairing them with simple home remedies, you can experience long-term relief from stomach discomfort. Start your yoga journey today with Yogiva and feel the difference!