HEY guys! I have missed you.
Now that the fasting month is over, let me be real honest. I have been eating so much lemang and rendang it's not funny. I mean we aren’t allowed to go out, so I have been cooking so much for myself. I have gained 3 kgs this week. A few days ago, I was rumbling my med cabinet looking for acid reflux salts and I could not find any. Of course, I resorted to yoga. There are many ways you can get rid of a bloated stomach like using peppermint capsules, abdominal massages, essential oils, warm baths and drinking warm water or barley but I gave yoga a go of course ?. Yoga helps in the relaxation of the whole body and when that happens, the bowel system and intestines will help you release gas from the body.
It's very common to have an uncomfortable digestive system and I think it’s important and super easy for everyone to learn some yoga poses that will help. All you need is just a flat surface and you are all set.
I was listening to a very interesting podcast; “The Keri Report” last week by Keri Gans who is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and a legit yoga instructor from New York and she said: there are so many different poses in yoga that are based around your core, they can help bring focus to your abdomen. When my belly bloats, it’s usually caused by my lousy eating patterns or eating too much and sometimes by eating too little. Oh well, whatever the cause, I am happy I know a few poses that will help me with any bloating problems due to my inconsistencies in eating (I need to work on that).
Standing Forward Fold
The Standing Forward Fold is so simple, you can just stop, drop and do it. It works brilliantly to relieve bloating by letting the belly go into circulation mode and that will help everything to flow better. We have done this pose before and it's super simple. Stand with your big toes touching and heels slightly apart. Lift the arms up and fold forward by hinging from the hips. You don't have to straighten the legs if that's too much to do. Just relax and breathe. Depending on your flexibility, you can choose to place your hands anywhere comfortable for you. You can also sway side to side in your fold. Just breathe and find your centre. Stay for a minute or two and repeat. Sure, you can bend your knees. ?
Knees-to-chest
“The wind-relieving pose” oh how apt. Super simple. This is my go-to pose every time! Keri Gans also said, “the closer to your chest the more beneficial it may be,”. I find this pose super soothing and it improves indigestion almost instantly. Lie down flat on your back with your arms resting by the side of your body and start to bend the knees in and hug them close. Slowly rock from side to side, draw your chin towards the knees. Stay for a minute.
Seated Forward Fold
This deep stretch is so yummy. I love it and it's my favourite one. It helps release discomfort with every breath you take while you are in this pose. Stay in it for a minute and voila! All's good. Sit on a flat surface, straighten your legs forward with feet slightly apart, hinge from the hips and reach forward towards your toes. Try your very best to do this with the spine straight. Don’t forget to breathe.
Cat/Cow
I feel like Beyonce when I do these two poses. Cat/Cow works to reduce bloating by stretching and contracting the abdomen with each motion, says Gans. Start by going into a tabletop pose with your palms and knees on the floor keeping knees hip-width apart, and arms shoulder-width apart. When you inhale, raise your head and tailbone toward the ceiling, looking up at the sky as you drop your spine. When you exhale, scoop the belly in and round the back and drop the head while looking at the navel. Try this combination as many times as you like.
Child’s Pose
Best pose ever!!!!! Also known as the grounding pose, this helps by massaging the lower abdomen. Start by kneeling and rest the hips on the heels. Fold forward from the hips, you can choose to extend the arms forward or just rest them by the side of the body. Rest the forehead on the floor and just relax.
It's super soothing and of course, don’t forget to breathe. Stay for about 20 to 30 secs and repeat as many times as you like.
Let's do all these poses together. Have fun! - The Vibes. May 19, 2021
