Yoga for Gastric Problems: A Natural Solution

Summary: When asked to a senior obstetrician and gynecologist of Odisha, “What would you choose in between Yoga and gym workout,” he chose yoga and said, “Gym workout mostly focuses on muscle building, which leads to hypertrophy (increase in muscle mass). But yoga benefits my inner body organs.”

Yoga is an ancient art, believed to be several thousand years old. History says that the Adiyogi (the first yogi) and the Adiguru (the first guru) taught yoga to legendary Saptarishis or seven sages. The seven sages then propagated this art all over the world. The word “Yoga” derives its roots from the Sanskrit word “Yuj”, which means unity. Yoga focuses on uniting your mind, body, and nature. Yoga has proven as a solution for hundreds of illnesses like mental health, weight loss, bone disorder, brain functionality, etc.

But do you know that yoga can solve your gastric-related health problems?

Ayurveda and Yoga are believed to be sister sciences. If followed together, it can result in a maximum impact on your health positively. According to Ayurveda, all our health issues are due to an imbalance between the three elements or Doshas. When these three Doshas, i.e., Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha, are in balance, you are perfectly healthy. But an imbalance or excess of either of them can have many health issues.

Gastric problems result from impaired digestion. And Ayurveda believes this is because of an imbalance in the Vatta Dosha (air element). Vatta Dosha regulates all our digestive organs. Calming our Vatta helps to get rid of gastric issues. Yoga comes to our rescue.

#1 Pawanmuktasana

Pawanmuktasana, also known as the wind release pose or the gas release pose.

Pawanmuktasana, as the name suggests, derives itself from two words “Pawan”, meaning wind or gas, and “Mukta”, meaning release or relief. This asana helps by releasing the gas in our stomach. Gas often occurs due to food indigestion. And indigestion causes a lot of problems, more than stomach discomfort like migraine, joint pain, etc.

What are the benefits?

• It helps in getting rid of the gas formed due to indigestion
• It works on the muscles of the back, biceps, triceps, and hips

How to do it?

• First, lie down supine on a mat. Stretch your arms, legs, and take a few breaths. This is the initial pose. The asana is named Savasana
• Flex your knees so that your legs make a 90° angle with your thighs
• With an exhale, bring your knees close to your chest
• Simultaneously raise your head to bring it close to the knees
• Hold on to this stance for a few seconds and then release
• Keep the breathing normal while you hold the posture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is there any contraindication of Pawanmuktasana?

A. Yes, almost all yogas have some contraindications. People who have undergone a recent abdominal surgery should avoid doing this yoga. Also, people with a neck strain, hernia, piles, and pregnant women should not do Pawanmuktasana.

Q. I’m a patient with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Is it okay if I stop taking medicines and do these yogas? Can these yogas cure my condition completely?

A. These yogas are adjuvant therapy. Always consult your doctor before making any changes in your medicines schedule. Especially in GERD, ignorance of medical therapy can lead to a cancerous condition called esophageal adenocarcinoma. Take your medications regularly and do practice these yogas for a better effect.

Q. Sometimes my knee aches while doing Balasana, is there anything I can do?

Like most other yogas, even Balasana has some limitations. Those with a knee injury, spondylitis, ankle injury, pregnancy, etc., should refrain from this Yoga pose. You shouldn’t perform this yoga if you’ve any such conditions. But if you don’t belong to these categories and still develop knee pain, you can instead go for its variation seated child’s pose. Here you sit down on a chair instead of kneeling on the ground. You can also keep a towel just below the ankles for the support & separate the knees and then bend forward this will reduce the tension in the knee joints.