How to Remedy Constipation with 5 Easy Yoga Poses
If you have fewer than 3 bowel movements a week, or your stools are dry and hard, you are likely suffering from constipation. Constipation is a very unpleasant condition and can result in pain and a lot of time wasted in the bathroom.
Constipation most commonly occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard, dry, or lumpy and difficult or painful to pass. Constipation can have many different causes including dehydration, lack of dietary fiber, physical inactivity, or medication side effects.
The following 5 Yoga poses are great for constipation, because twisting and squeezing your middle and lower jiao activates your ability to eliminate waste. Remember to breathe deeply and slowly relax into each pose. Maintain each pose for several breaths.
Yoga is an ancient practice and meditation that has many mental and physical health benefits.
According to Harvard, Yoga develops inner awareness, can help boost weight loss, helps people develop a better body image, helps build muscle strength and endurance, and enhances flexibility. The researchers found that people who practiced yoga were more mindful eaters.
If you’re suffering from constipation, try these simple Yoga poses to get the flow going.
You can do all of them in the order listed or do just one of the poses. Choose whichever pose you prefer and feels right for you.
Yoga Pose #1: Crescent Side Lunge
While aiding in elimination, this Yoga pose also tones your entire body.
Crescent Lunge stretches the legs, groin, and hip flexors, while also opening the front torso, chest, and shoulders. It strengthens your hips, thighs, and buttocks, while developing flexible stability.
Yoga Pose #2: Supine Twist
Repeat this pose on both sides while breathing deeply. Stretch gently, without straining yourself.
The Supine Twist detoxifies internal organs and massages abdominal tissues, thus aiding with constipation while also improving digestion and relieving pain in the low back, spine, and hips.
Yoga Pose #3: Wind Relieving
Lie down on a comfortable surface such as a Yoga mat. Avoid this pose if you have back pain.
TIP: Some people find it very relaxing to gently rock back and forth, slightly raising and lowering their legs while lying on their back.
Yoga Pose #4: Lower Squat
The Lower squat pose is simple yet extremely effective. Best of all, you can easily do it anywhere, including in the bathroom while waiting for your bowels to start releasing the load. Even if you’re inflexible or have pains and can’t do the other poses, this pose alone could help you resolve your constipation issues.
Yoga Pose #5: Half Lord of the Fishes
Also called the Seated Twist Pose or Ardha Matsyendrasana in Sanskrit, this pose squeezes your stomach, kidneys, and intestines, thus stimulating proper digestion and encouraging elimination, while improving your posture and energizing your spine.
Because your entire torso gently swivels in the pose, it improves your circulation, helps with digestion, and improves spinal mobility. Stretch gently
I hope these poses help you!
About Joy Walraven
Joy Walraven is a highly acclaimed acupuncturist, healer, teacher, herbalist, light worker, and pain relief expert.
She has been helping thousands of people discover joy and transform their bodies, minds, and lives for over 16 years.
Joy is a registered acupuncturist and registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, craniosacral therapist, and energy worker. Additionally, she is a Wikipedia Editor.
In 2019, Joy was rated the #1 Best Acupuncturist in Toronto, and won the Diamond award in the Toronto Star Reader’s Choice Awards.
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