According to the beliefs of ancient yogis, good digestion is the key factor to attain radiant health. After years of partaking in the exercise, they also discovered that yoga poses can have a rather direct and positive influence on our digestive system. In fact, we will be able to have better digestion by learning to breathe properly and by calming our mind
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Digestive disorders tend to most often be psychosomatic symptoms of stress, nervousness, anxiety and depression. A turbulent mind reflects on the digestive system. By having regular yoga practice, one would find himself or herself become more calm and relaxed. This will then automatically reflect in the efficiency of one’s digestive system. Aside from the overall well-being, there are certain yoga poses that specifically target the digestive organs and stimulate them. This will assist in alleviating problems of sluggish digestion.
The food that we consume actually plays a pretty vital role in our ability to digest it. Through yoga, it brings forth a higher sense of awareness in the practitioner. Before one begins his/her yoga practice, he/she has to make sure that the food consumed from the last meal has already been digested. Hence, a minimum of one hour is required for digestion. Ideally, the longer the better.
In yoga, the main concept revolves around breathing. For beginners, it is highly recommended that they start by practicing abdominal breathing lying down. This is due to the fact that the movement of the abdomen is much more apparent when one is in a horizontal position. You can begin by taking a deep breath through your nose. While doing so, remember to keep your mouth gently closed. Think of the inhaling process as a descending movement. As the breath continues to move downwards into the abdomen, the belly will slowly expand and fill up just like a balloon. As for the exhalation, it is the direct opposite, more like an ascending movement. The breath will be moving up and out through your nose and the belly will move towards the spine.
This breathing action should be repeated a number of times. Once you get more of the hang of it, try your best to equalise the duration of both the inhalation as well as the exhalation. When you grow into practice, try lengthening the breath and apply it in your poses. The longer and deeper the breath is, the more it will calm the mind. For the rest of the story, you can view it here.
If you would like to learn more about breathing techniques, perhaps you can take a look at our yoga class. At OMG Yoga, we provide instructors who are certified by schools recognised by the Yoga Alliance. Hence, your learning will be in good hands.