Sometimes we feel blown up like a balloon. Bloating can occur for a myriad of different reasons. Usually, it comes from bad diet, lack of exercise or illness. It can be uncomfortable and unsightly, and getting rid of it can be difficult. While remedies often suggest downing a glass of apple cider vinegar, the taste can be a little sour and off-putting. Instead, why not try a few simple yoga moves to get the digestive system flowing more smoothly, helping to release the trapped gasses that are causing you to bloat.
Apanasana
This position is really simple. It compresses the digestive system while opening up the corridors for release. Lay on your back with your feet straight out in front of you. Stretch your arms above your head, and in a slow controlled movement, bring your knees in tight to your chest and wrap your arms around them. Squeeze gently, while lifting your nose to your knees. You will be in a curled ball. Hold for a few deep breaths and then release. Repeat this 5 times.
Bridge Pose
This pose helps to open the diaphragm and the lower abdomen while stretching the neck and the back. This opening pose will create space in your body for the air to move through. Lay on your back with your hands by your sides, palms down. Bend your knees with your feet flat on the floor, just under your bum. Slowly lift your navel to the ceiling, starting with the lowest vertebrae, slowly rolling up through the back. When you get as far as you can, bring your arms underneath you and lock your fingers together. Push upwards from your belly, using your legs, and tuck your chin in. Slowly release one vertebrate at a time.
Cat and Cow
This position helps to bend and flex the back and stomach, which creates movement in the abdomen. Start on all fours. Make sure you have a firm base, your fingers spread wide. Try to keep your back aligned, and your neck straight, by facing the floor. Breathe in and tilt your head upward, curving your back so your belly drops down and your tailbone rises up. Next, breathe out and flex your back the other way, with the center of the spine moving to the ceiling, compressing your stomach. This looks just like a cat stretching its back. Repeat this a few times, making sure to breathe in unison with the movement.
Spine Twist
This position wrings out the body like a wet towel. This helps to push the air through the system. Lay on your back with your arms out wide in a T shape. Bring your legs up so that your knees point the ceiling but your toes point out in front, making your legs a right angle. Slowly bring your knees down to one side. When they are on the ground, use your hand to hold your leg there. Look in the opposite direction and try to twist as much as possible while still keeping your back flat to the floor. Lift your knees back and do it the other way.
Yoga is a great way to relieve many ailments. Used for thousands of years, it has some great moves for quick fixes. When combined with supplements like ‘Flat Belly’, you will find that these moves relieve bloating, and bring your stomach back to its normal size. Remember to carry them out slowly to get the most from them, while also breathing in time with the movement. The breath helps to move gasses through the body.
