There’s nothing like a large meal to leave you feeling too full to function.
And while you may tell yourself you’ll never let yourself overeat again, dinner parties, family meals and holidays mean that you’re bound to feel bloated at least a few times a year.
But overeating isn’t the only reason you feel bloated.
In fact, eating rich fatty meals, eating too quickly, swallowing air and eating foods like beans and dairy may leave you feeling swollen and gassy (1).
6 Yoga Poses To Relieve Bloating
Forget the foetal position, these poses will get your blood pumping and heal that sore tummy in no time.
1. Knees-To-Chest (apanasana)
To do this pose, you’ll need to lie down on your yoga mat and slowly tuck both legs into your chest as you breathe. Rest your hands onto your shins, just below your knees. As you inhale, gently pull your legs into your chest and release your grip as you exhale. This still stimulate the muscles in your digestive tract to help your stomach digest. Hold for 1 minute.
2. Seated Spinal Twist (ardha matsyendrasana)
Sit on your mat with your legs outstretched and your spine straight and tall. Bend your left knee, making sure that your leg is in line with you hip joint and your left sole is firmly on the ground. Twist your body to the left, keeping your left arm behind your left hip and your right elbow against your left thigh for stability. Hold for 30 seconds to get blood flowing to your digestive organs. Repeat on the right side.
3. Chair Pose (uttkatasana)
Stand up with your feet at hips width apart and your toes spread wide and facing forward. Clench your butt and squat backyards as if you were sitting on a chair. Your knees should stay directly above your ankles. As you lower yourself down, lift your hands above your head, keeping them at shoulder’s width apart. Your back and arms should make a straight line. Hold for 30 second.
4. High Lunge Variation
Standing up with your feet together and your hands by your sides. Next, step your left foot back straight, keeping your weight on your right sole and left toes, bending your right leg. Your hips should be facing forward as you drive your arms back to open your chest. Stay here for 5 deep breaths, return to your starting position and repeat with the other leg.
5. Bridge Pose (setu bandasana)
This position opens up your body and helps prevent constipation. Just start on your back with your knees bent at hip’s width apart. Don’t forget to keep the soles of your feet grounded into your mat. Lift your hips towards the ceiling and clasp your hands together under your body and hold for 1 minute, breathing deeply.
6. Legs Up The Wall
This position may seem strange, but it will get your blood flowing and lymph back to your digestive tract. Lay your mat beside a wall and lie on your back with your butt against the wall with your legs straight up the wall. Rest your arms along your body and breathe deeply. Close your eyes and hold the position for 1 minute.