Yoga for constipation relief
Yoga may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of relieving constipation, but there is some evidence that it can. Constipation is a typical ailment. Although prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies can be helpful, some people might be interested in alternative medicines like yoga. Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga guru, Founder, Akshar Yoga Institutions lists 5 yoga asanas to relieve constipation:
Dandasana (Staff Pose)
Formation of the posture
Sit up and stretch your legs in front of you.
Join your legs, bringing your heels together. Maintain a straight back.
Tighten your pelvic, thigh, and calves muscles.
If you want to support your spine, place your palms on the floor next to your hips.
Also, relax your shoulders.
Malasana (Waste Evacuation Pose)
Formation of the posture
From a standing position where your arms are by your side, squat down bringing your pelvis down over your heels by bending your knees.
Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.
You can position your hands in a prayer position in front of your chest or put them on the floor next to your feet.
Marjariasana (Cat Cow Pose)
Formation of the posture
Urdhva Mukhi Marjari Asana
- Get down on your knees, place palms under shoulders and knees under hips
- Inhale, curve your spine to look up
Adho Mukhi Marjari Asana
- Exhale, curve your spine to form an arch of the back and allow your neck to drop down
- Focus your gaze towards your chest
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt pose)
Formation of the Posture
Get down on your knees
Placing your palms on your thighs
keeping your heels slightly apart, and resting your pelvis on them.
Straighten your back and face forward.
Prapadasana (Tip Toe Pose)
Formation of the Posture
- Begin in Malasana or Vajrasana
- Join your feet to slowly lift your heels off the floor.
- Balance your body on your toes and keep your back straight.
- Join your palms and focus in between your eyebrows.
- Stay in this pose breathing for 10-20 seconds
- To come out of this pose, bring your heels down and come back to Malasana
- Repeat for 3 sets
Constipation is not a sickness in and of itself, but it may be a sign of other illnesses including Parkinson's disease, diabetes, or a stroke. If you experience constipation, you may be experiencing issues with your colon or rectum, such as intestinal obstruction or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For an accurate diagnosis of chronic constipation, please visit your doctor.