6 Yoga Poses to Improve Gut Health and Digestion

Supported Bridge Pose

Supported bridge pose is GR8 because you don't need any prior yoga experience to get it right the first time. You don't need to be extremely flexible, and you don't need to have tremendous strength for it to be accomplished. Supported bridge pose hel  ps decompress your lower back and digestive organs, promoting better digestion and healthy gut function.

How to do it:

To complete the pose, lay flat on your back with a foam bolster or rolled up blankets under your hips. Keep your arms outstretched flat. Hold the pose for anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes.

Legs Up the Wall Pose

The legs up the wall pose is easy for beginners, yet effective. The pose improves circulation, directing it towards your gut. It results in stimulated intestine motility, which can help gut issues such as constipation, bloating, and more.

How to do it:

The pose is simple. Find a spot against a wall and keep your back on the floor while lifting your legs against the wall. Your body will form a 90-degree angle. Keep your hands at your side and hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds.

Cat-to-Cow Pose

The cat-to-cow pose helps compress and then decompress your intestines, improving circulation in the area. It's low-impact so that anyone can do it. To begin, get on all fours with your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your knees directly beneath your hips. 

How to do it:

Take a deep breath in and lift your head and chest towards the ceiling, making your shoulders broad and keeping your chest open. As you exhale, drop your arms and shoulders and curve your back towards the ceiling. Repeat for ten rounds.

Corpse Pose

A super simple pose that's said to stimulate the transverse colon and speed up digestion. To begin, lay on your back with your hands by your side, palms up. Keep your legs outstretched flat on the floor.

How to do it:

Focus on deep breathing and relaxation as you lay for several minutes. Make sure to stay still for the whole duration of the pose to reach relaxation. 

Modified Seated Forward Fold Pose

It's said that the modified seated forward pose massages your digestive system as you breathe deeply and the pillow compresses your stomach with each breath. The pose improves circulation to the area and promotes gut motility.

How to do it:

Start this pose by sitting on the floor with your legs stretched out flat in front of you. For support, place a pillow over your thighs and bend forward from the hips. Let your stomach rest on the pillow and extend your arms towards your feet.

Extended Side Angle Pose

Said to help alleviate constipation, the extended side angle pose takes a little bit of balance but is still low-impact.

How to do it:

Begin with your feet approximately four feet apart and bring your arms straight out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle to your body. Turn one thigh outward, creating another 90-degree angle. Lift the arm on the opposing side of your body high into the air, reaching towards the ceiling, while bending into the thigh that's turned outward. 

Then, place the other hand on the floor next to the foot and leg that is bent at a 90-degree angle. Look up towards your outstretched arm and feel the stretch in your side. Hold the pose for 30 seconds.