Have you been facing stomach issues? Most people tend to overlook digestive issues as a sign of something that happened after eating something bad. But sometimes it’s a sign of a more serious problem called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although most of us have heard of IBS before, few people know exactly what it means. For the uninitiated, irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that affects the intestines and stomach. This can make you extremely uncomfortable and lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, constipation or cramps. One of the best ways to solve this problem is through yoga. Here’s how yoga works for irritable bowel syndrome.
How Does Yoga Help With Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Yoga is an ancient practice that has been part of Indian culture for thousands of years. This ancient practice provides physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. In fact, it is believed that yoga can also help you recover from serious illnesses. Yoga can also help people deal with irritable bowel syndrome.
Certified yoga instructor Shynee Narang shared with Healthshots that irritable bowel syndrome is not just a digestive issue but also a psychological condition that reflects emotional imbalance. The gastrointestinal tract is compromised when the central nervous system is under prolonged stress. And the best solution to relax the nervous system is yoga.
Yoga Asanas for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Narang suggests that the following yogic practices can help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome:
1. Anulom Vilom
Anulom Vilom is a type of Pranayam, also known as controlled breathing, which offers many physical and psychological benefits. This yoga asana involves alternate nostril breathing. You basically close one nostril and inhale, then close the other nostril and exhale. Then you reverse and repeat the process.
Read also : These are the 5 benefits of anulom vilom that you cannot ignore
2. Deep Breathing
As the name suggests, deep breathing involves taking long, slow, deep breaths to help relax the nervous system, muscles, and mind. This will help you feel relaxed and in control. Studies have suggested that deep breathing can help relieve IBS symptoms by reducing stress and anxiety.
3. Meditation
Meditation is about being aware of your inner self and the outer world. Studies have shown that meditation changes the way our brain absorbs thoughts, emotions, and sensations. It is also believed that practicing meditation regularly can help reduce IBS symptoms and relieve stomach upset.
Read also : Here’s Your Beginner’s Guide to Meditation
4. Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is one of the best solutions to deal with digestive issues. It is a combination of two powerful techniques: yoga and meditation. Yoga Nidra is performed while lying on the floor. It has a deeply calming effect that calms a stressed nervous system, tense muscles and a busy mind. It’s a chance to relax more deeply than you would while sleeping.
5. Stretches
Narang advises, “You must include yoga poses in your practice that expand or stretch the stomach or twist the stomach.” You can include yoga poses such as Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Vajrayana, and Pawanmuktasana.
According to the yoga instructor, all these yoga poses stimulate the digestive organs. It helps in the better functioning of the digestive system. Although these yoga asanas can help you relieve irritable bowel syndrome, it is best to talk to your doctor about dealing with it.
