Yet another day and I truly hope it's different. No more frequent stomach pain, no more difficulty in passing motion, no more headaches throughout the day, could this really be possible? I mean, it's just getting so annoying by the day – this whole feeling of being constipated. And I really wish something could relieve me of it.

For some of us, this is a dialogue which we may have with ourselves almost every day. For, constipation has become a daily affair. And, we generally tend to confuse it as a disease; rather, it's a symptom. A symptom for pelvic diseases and stomach disorders, if not treated at the right time. But we often tend to take constipation casually.

Well, as they say, prevention is always better than cure. So, the best way to prevent it is to inculcate yoga in our daily life. A few minutes of daily yoga practice can help take care of infrequent bowel movements, prevent straining and bloating of stomach and keep you happy and at peace all day.

How does constipation happen?

Constipation has different meanings for different people. For some, untimely stools means constipation while for some, it is the passage of hard stool. Whatever may be the case, the most common explanation for the cause of this problem is undoubtedly our unhealthy lifestyle.

Inappropriate work hours, less time for rest and intake of too much junk food harm our body in a way which we fail to notice. Also, a diet low on fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, especially food low on fibre, causes constipation. Less intake of water is another reason.

Yoga to the rescue

But the good news is, there's nothing to worry about because before constipation gets serious and results in other stomach disorders, we can take care of it with regular practice of yoga exercises. Infrequent bowel movements leads to straining and bloating of stomach and is not taken care at time they lead to hazardous pelvic diseases. Treatment helps many people find relief from constipation. But as we say prevention is better than cure. So the best way to prevent it is to inculcate Yoga in our daily routine.

Yoga helps revitalize our body and also increases the flow of blood and oxygen in the system. Since most of the yoga postures involve pelvic movement, yoga practice can really help in relieving our constipation woes.

Here are some postures which, if practiced regularly, can set infrequent bowel movements to normal.

1. Mayurasana (Peacock Pose)

This posture helps improve digestion and destroys the effects of unwholesome food. It also increases intra-abdominal pressure, which reduces spleen and liver enlargements. The pose is also beneficial in toning the bowels and removing constipation problems.

 

2. Ardha-Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist Pose)

The important physiological aspects of this asana (posture) are that it stimulates the pancreas, liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, and ascending and descending colons; hence improving bowel movements and providing relief from constipation.

3. Halasana (Plough Pose)

This posture provides comfort to the liver and intestine. It is an inversion posture which increases blood circulation in the pelvic area and boosts digestion.

 

 

 

4. Pavanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)

As the name suggests, this posture helps release gas from the body, a common trouble for most of us suffering from regular constipation. The posture can help cure several digestive disorders, including dyspepsia. It also helps in relieving acid reflux which is caused by indigestion.

5. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)

This forward-bend posture helps improve our digestive system and also relieves gas, cramping and bloating of stomach. The posture also helps in reducing stress which is necessary for good digestion.

 

So stop worrying and start practicing! Just a few minutes of your daily time and you can actually look forward to a healthy digestive system and a happier you! Don't forget to improve your diet habits as well – fibre-rich food, fruits and vegetables, and sufficient intake of water will all help keep constipation woes away!

 

 

Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health benefits yet is not a substitute for medicine. It is important to learn and practice yoga postures under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga postures after consulting a doctor and an Sri Sri Yoga teacher. Find an Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you. Do you need information on courses or share feedback? Write to us at info@artoflivingyoga.org