Yoga for Digestion: A Short Sequence to Soothe Your Stomach

Bringing Balance Back is a monthly series on Diehard Foodie, by Kat Beck. Kat is my sister, best friend, role model and go-to expert for all healthy living outside of nutrition. We work together to support and better each other. I give her advice on healthy eating, and she gives me so much advice on other aspects of healthy living (that I sometimes neglect!) My hope is she will become your guru on these aspects, and bring more balance in your life as well. What up foodies?  It's been a while, but I am back with a yoga sequence Victoria suggested since so many of you suffer from digestive issues. You can drop into any of these poses anytime you aren't feeling right, or do the whole sequence in about 15 minutes to soothe your stomach.

puppy pose- Almost like child's pose, but lift your hips over your knees. Forehead comes down to the mat. Hold for 10 breaths.

cat pose- Exhale, arch your spine up, drop your head down.

cow- Inhale, drop your belly down, open your heart forward.

cat/cow- Alternate between cat and cow allowing your breath to guide your body; exhaling completely with cat pose, inhaling with cow pose. Do this for at least 10 rounds.

squat- Take your feet wider than hip width, sit down and bring elbows to the inside of your knees. Press your palms together and lift up through your chest. If your heels don't touch the earth, you can roll up your mat or place a blanket under your heels.  Hold for 10 breaths.

wind-relieving pose- Right knee hugs into your chest, hold for 10 breaths. Then hug your left leg into your chest and hold for 10 breaths.

savasana- play a song and settle into stillness. this pose is essential for soaking in all the amazing benefits of your yoga practice.

Savanna will leave you feeling stress-free.  Stress is a major culprit for digestive discomfort. So enjoy yourself. Stay as long as you'd like.

Namaste y’all,

Kat Beck

Note from Victoria: I do all of these on a daily basis once my sister taught me these specific poses. They help so much, especially if feeling constipated in the morning. Puppy pose is especially helpful in getting things moving, at least in my experience :)