5 Yoga Moves That Will Improve Your Gut Health

Bloating or belly troubles? We got you covered, not only because we can send a pack of Waku right away to your doorstep, but because we know 5 helpful yoga poses for a happier gut.

Yoga is really effective for those who need to get stuff moving when they're feeling any belly discomfort. Some postures can gently compress and release the stomach and colon, making you feel good instantly. That's why yoga is like an internal massage for your organs; sounds amazing, right? Well, it really is. 

These basic yoga postures can help stimulate the gut and bring relief naturally. Just keep reading and give your gut some love tonight - and this Thanksgiving- by practicing these 5 moves. 

1. Cat/Cow

A classic yoga posture. Start on all fours with your hands directly underneath your shoulders and your belly button pointing straight into the mat. Inhale and drop your belly while simultaneously lifting your tailbone upward (that's known as the cow pose). 

Then drop your head and neck down as you exhale and round your shoulders as you pull your stomach towards the sky and tuck your tailbone under (that's the cat pose). Now, move steadily from cow to cat on every inhale and exhale, respectively. Repeat 5 to 10 times. 

2. Supine Twist

According to Health Line, “Supine Spinal Twist Pose is great for stretching the lower back and increasing spinal mobility. People believe it alleviates constipation and bloating and supports general digestion.”

That being said, now you just must lie on your back and bring one knee towards your chest. Then cross that knee in front of you, above your chest and drop it onto the opposite side of your body. Hold this position for 5-10 deep breaths. Then, repeat on the other side.

How to do ir correctly? Click here.

3. Downward Dog

This pose will make your gut very happy! Start by planking down on your mat, then pull up through your abs and send your hips backwards. Your hands and heels should sink to the floor. Imagine you are doing a triangle shape with your body. Let your head hang down, and breathe deeply to give your entire body a stretch. Stay there for 5-8 deep breaths. 

4. Cobra Pose

Cobra Pose mimics a cobra in its upright position. It helps stretch your belly muscles and it supports general digestion. Start by lying on your stomach, with your feet hip-width apart and the palms of your hands flat on the floor and elbows bent. Press into your hands and slowly bring your head and chest upward. Keep your elbows slightly bent as you slowly straighten your arms. Do not raise your pelvis off the floor and keep your chest up. Hold for 4–5 deep breaths.

5. Extended Puppy Pose

Feeling bloated or belly discomfort after Thanksgiving? Then try this pose. It is especially useful for stretching the belly to relieve cramps after a large and tasty meal. As stated by the Yoga Journal, you should first come onto your hands and knees as if you were moving into Cat-Cow pose. Then keeping your hips still, move your hands forward as your spine goes down. Release your head onto the floor, relaxing your chin into the mat and allow gravity to do its magic. Hold it there for 5-10 deep breaths. 

And voilà, now you know what poses to do to have a happy gut. Practice these moves 3 times a week and combine them with a gut-healing Waku blend to feel your best! 

References: 

Can Yoga Help Aid Digestion? 9 Poses to Try

8 Yoga Poses for Better Digestion

8 Yoga Poses for Better Digestion