The essence of food is for the mind and the workings of psychosomatic bodies. With pregnancy, the growing bump can affect the digestive system. Bowel habits will probably change. Many of the digestive discomforts of pregnancy, such as morning sickness (nausea or vomiting), heart burn, acidity, constipation and hemorrhoids are some of the issues that you may feel. This is all related to the relaxed tone and slowed action of the digestive system. Several things can trigger indigestion including overeating, eating too quickly or too much, spicy food. Anxiety and depression can worsen symptoms. Right conduct of living, eating and resting, aspects of Yoga, can help with many of these digestive issues. Let's focus on Yogasanas. Breathing deeply while performing the postures will massage the organs impacted by the asanas. This in turn will bring fresh blood to the epithelial cells which are responsible for healthy gut function. When the digestion improves you will start to feel more energetic. If you are new to yoga practices, check with medical professionals and if you feel any pain, stop right away. If you are a regular yoga practitioner you can continue with modifications wherever necessary.
Side Bends
These poses help alternate stretching and compression of the colon helping with issues of constipation.
Pavanmuktasana
This posture helps tone your abdominal muscles. This pose helps release gaseous accumulation and improve digestive functions.
Forward Bending Postures
Forward bends help soothe the nervous system, relax the whole body. This, in turn helps reduce bloaty feelings and benefit the digestive system.
Back Bending Postures
Bellies often tend to accumulate gas, but if you stretch the stomach appropriately, it will aid in digestion. You will also gain a sense of balance through the Upward Facing Dog posture. Be sure that your body, from your belly button, up to your throat is raised. Cat & Cow is a combination of the Forward and Backward bending as mentioned in the prior sections.
Various Twisting Postures
Built-up gas certainly brings one discomfort. These twisting poses will help massage your intestines, stimulate digestion and relieve bloating.
Vajrasana
Vajrasana is the most beneficial yoga pose after dinner. Any movement which helps in stretching the upper body and abdomen and relaxes your breathing is a good posture after dinner. This is one Asana which is more beneficial when practiced after a meal because it promotes digestion.
Inverted pose
This inverted pose gives your spine the stretch it longs for. As the pose both stimulates digestion and relieves stress, it will help you rejuvenate your whole body.
Shavasan
Shavasan, as shown above, indicates deep relaxation of body and mind.
Conclusion
All of the Asanas discussed above, focus on creating space and encouraging movement, to stimulate the digestive system. While exercising, your oxygen demand increases. Your body is heavier, you may tire more easily and your balance may also change. Hence, it is key to keep these points in mind as you do your Yogasanas, and remember – Yoga is a way of life and not limited only to the postures discussed above.
