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Everyone knows that how we move our bodies is just as important as what we put in and on them, right?
For a lot of Americans the mind-body connection often seems lost. It is almost as if they are operating completely separate lives, one in their mind (work, school, stress, kids, bills, worry), and one in their body (at the gym, mindless motions through the day, walking the dog, couch time).
I have found that yoga is a fantastic way, for pretty much anyone, to begin to connect the mind and the body through mindfulness, breath and yoga practice.
Yoga in the US seems to be accepted widely, purely for the fact that it is a great physical workout. But if you are only doing the asanas (physical postures) in this ancient practice you are barely tapping into the great healing potentials for yourself.
For those of us with Celiac Disease (or Crohn's Disease, IBS, Diverticulitis, Pancreatitis, Colitis, etc) what we put in and on our bodies is (sometimes painstakingly) a daily thought process.
But oh so often we can forget about physically helping our digestive systems along, and this can be done simply with a bit of yoga. Anywhere from 1 - 2 days a week to 10 minutes everyday can be helpful.
Why can yoga do more to help digestive disorders than simply going to the gym or walking?
This is not to say that the gym and walking can't help at all, there is simply a lot missing from basic workouts and cardio activities like walking (outside would be more effective than a treadmill).
Yoga has to do with postures and balances, but the more important aspects of the effectiveness of yoga is the connection to your breath. If you are not breathing through your asanas (physical postures) you will never get the fullness of a true yoga practice. When being instructed through poses the inhale & exhale can bring you deeper into the physical pose, can clear your mind of thoughts running wild, expand your breathing capacity, and bring oxygen to every cell in your body.
Breathing with intent, or in different ways can most certainly help not only your respiratory function, but your whole body, including digestive system. Breath can get you through pain and cramping (anyone heard of Lamaze for childbirth?) as well as bring some clarity and rest to the mind.
What are the best asanas for aiding the digestive system?
The beautiful world of TWISTS!
What I love about twists are, just like all postures in yoga, there are options ranging from very gentle, to very deep, and everywhere in between (*deep twists are contraindicated in early pregnancy).
So, no matter your age or activity level twists can be good to ring out those organs.
Soothing Forward Folds
Forward folds are not only good for the mind, but good for the digestion.
Supine (on your back) Asanas
There are a number of twists that are done on your back as well, but here are more gentle poses for those more difficult days. Lying on your back hugging your knees to your chest, even sounds soothing.
Here is a detailed step by step on Wind Remover Pose (or Pavana Muktasana)
Happy breathing to you All!
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