Yoga for digestion...

Hey, all you Yogis ,

I've read there are specific exercises for certain things: What are the best for enhancing digestion? I'm not having any problems with it, myself (though a couple friends I've gotten into eating more raw say they are having issues), but I do notice that after a meal, I, not only feel the need to stretch, but also feel much better after I do.

I don't go onto the floor or anything; I just stretch up high and pull my arms, do side bends and hold, etc.

Feels good. So I'm wondering if there are specifics?

Thanks.

Twists of all kinds are really good. You always should twist to the right first, then the left, because that keeps your digestion going in the right direction!

Hey there, long time...I lurk behind finbarrio sometimes, but tonight I actually logged in for a change...

Yep, any kinda twist is a great way to stimulate digestion - standing, seated, lying down, whatever. Also good are squats, childs pose (increases bloodflow to the abdomen), wind-relieving (again, do the right side first, then the left), and just about anything that puts pressure on your belly like bow or locust. I could even see deep belly-breathing helping some, since you'd be expanding the diaphram and sort of massaging the other internal organs with each inhale and tightening your ab muscles with each exhale - and that can be done anywhere, in the car, in the grocery store, whatever! HTH!

Generally asanas are to be avoided right after eating.. with the exception of Bhojana-asana or Vajra-Asanas....its best to do light walking after eating.

For those who have problems with digestion, the following asanas are very helpful...

Just upon waking: Utks'epa Mudra (Wake up posture) -

After bath etc. and before breakfast:

(Morning)

1) Mayur-Asana (Peacock Posture) - 3- 4 times a day - hold for 30 seconds each time

2) Pada-hastasana (Hand to toe Posture) - 8 sets. hold for 8 seconds each

3) Utkata Vajrasana (Difficult Lightening posture) - 3 - 4 times. Hold for 30 seconds each time

Also: Kapal Bhati Pranayama AND Bahya Pranayama help greatly in digestion too (tone up digestive and sexual-urinary organs) .

(Evening) - With constipation

1) Agnisara Mudra (8 times each time hold for 8 seconds)

2) Diirgha Pranama (Long salutation) 8 x 8 sec

3) Yogasana (Yoga Posture) 8 X 8 sec

4) Bhujaungasana (Snake posture) 8 X 8 sec each

If possible, in the morning, also do Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) at least 11 times.

Its best to get instruction on asanas from a good Yoga teacher rather than doing them yourself as many things have to be kept in mind or they may even be harmful.