Monday, November 8, 2010

Do Yoga Poses For Digestion

Yoga not only tones the physical body and relaxes the mind, it is also a valuable tool for taking control of basic bodily functions. A proper diet and regular yoga practice can help correct a finicky digestive tract.


Instructions


1. Pay attention to how you eat because eating properly is a vital part of our yoga practice. According to Ayurveda, yogic medicine, each person is a combination of three doshas or constitutions: Vata (air or wind), Pitta (heat or fire), and Kapha (earth). Take an on-line quiz or consult with an ayurvedic vaida to determine your dosha(s). There are detailed lists and literature about what kinds of food are best suited to each dosha and which ones to avoid. You may find that you’ve been eating a lot of food that is difficult for your system to digest.


2. Focus on poses that aid digestion when you are having stomach problems. Twisting poses that massage your abdominal organs aid digestion. Try Chair Pose (Uktatasana) and twist to the right and left with your hands folded in prayer position. Also try seated spinal twists.


3. Do Navasana, or Boat Pose, which is a balancing pose that strengthens the abdominals. Navasana stimulates the kidneys and sparks the metabolism.


4. Alternating between Cat and Cow Pose will soothe back pain and improve digestion.

Tags: poses that, yoga practice