Yoga and Health: Yoga for digestion

By Acharya Vikrmaditya

Yoga and Health: Yoga for digestion

Proper breathing is the essence of yoga. The correct breathing technique is, when you inhale, bring the abdomen out; then breath out and take the abdomen in. This process should be as slow as it can be.

PAVANAMUKTASANA (the wind relieving posture)

Technique:

-       Lie flat on the back in shava-asana.

-       Inhale and raise both the legs to 45 degrees angle without bending the knees.

-       Bring the legs perpendicular to the ground and complete inhalation.

-       Bend the knees slowly and bring them towards the chest while exhaling. Keep both hands interlocked around the knees.

-       Keep the knees and toes together.

-       Raise head and bring the chin near the knees. Take small breaths in between whenever required.

-       Maintain the position for 2 to 3 minutes, then return to Shavasana position.

-       Do this asana 3 to 4 times.

Benefits:

-       Releases accumulated gas from stomach and intestines.

-       Improves constipation and upset stomach.

Precautions:

-       Pregnant women and people suffering from lumbar spondilitis and muscle pull should not practice it.

-       Patients with neck-pain are advised to practice this asana very slowly.

DHANURASANA (Bow Pose)

Technique:

-       Lie on the stomach with the head turned to one side and the arms alongside the body with palms facing upward.

-       Bend both the legs from the knees and keep them 6 to 8 inches apart from each other.

-       Hold both the legs firmly near the ankles with your hands.

-       While exhaling keeping some air inside, pull the legs upward with the hands, allow the body to be stretched in a curve.

-       Tilt the head as far back as possible. Hold the posture as long as you can comfortably hold your breath.

-       Breathe normally and hold the position for few seconds, then slowly release the ankles to come back to the original resting position.

-       Repeat this asana four to five times.

Benefits:

-       Best for navel disorder.

-       Spine becomes more flexible.

-       Digestion power of the body increases.

-       Is beneficial for diabetic patients.

-       Removes strain or fatigue of the legs and arms.

Precautions:

-       People suffering from back problems, ulcer, hernia and pregnant woman should not practice this asana.

-       Avoid jerks and excess strain while doing this asana.

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See also: Yoga and Health, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)