Much like gut health, yoga is popular and has been for a while. Unsurprisingly, yoga’s health benefits include flexibility, muscle strength, balanced metabolism, circulatory health, weight reduction, and more. Also, it is said to help gut health, which interests us.
Specific yoga poses may help your internal organs and may help your body cope with some gut issues. The twisting and movement in poses can also improve your digestion, and the deep breathing often common in yoga is an excellent way to relax the whole body, including your gut.
Standing forward bend
– Stand up straight with your big toes touching, arms by your side and palms facing forward. Sweep your hands out sideways and above your head. Exhale and bend forward from your hips. Lengthen your spine and lower your head to the floor. Bend your knees if needed. Hold for a few breaths and slowly release back to standing.
Downward facing dog
– Start on all four, with knees slightly bent behind your hips. Hands shoulder width apart and fingers spread. Press your hands into the mat, tuck your toes under and straighten your legs as much as possible. Inhale and exhale a few times in the downward dog position before returning to the start.
Warrior pose
– Standing tall, step your right foot forward roughly four feet. Your toes should point to the mat’s top, and your foot should be parallel. Bend your knee into a lunge, keeping your left leg straight and turning your left heel at about 45 degrees. Raise your arms straight over your head, keeping your shoulder pressed down. Squeeze your shoulder blades together, and lift your chin to see your hands. Hold for a couple of breaths and then repeat on the other side.
Camel pose
– Kneel with your knees apart slightly and the soles of your feet facing up. Reach your hands back and grasp your heels. Bring your hips up and forward, so they’re over your knees. Push your chest up and allow your head to go backwards and your throat open. Hold for a few breaths and return to kneeling.
Child’s pose
– Kneeling, place your hands outstretched in front of you and then drop your bum back towards your heels. Your stomach should be on your thighs, and your forehead on the mat. Hold for ten breaths and then slowly return to kneeling.
Corpse pose
– Lie on your back with your legs together and feet outwards. Your arms should be at the side of your body, with palms facing up. Close your eyes, make your body feel heavy and focus on your breath. Relax here for at least ten breaths.
If you’ve found the above helpful and are eager to start practising yoga and take advantage of its various health benefits, then the best thing to do is look for a local yoga class. There are different types of yoga, so it could be worth trying a few different ones before committing.
If you’re interested in your gut health, why not look at our gut health test and learn how healthy your gut is and how to improve it?