Stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, and travel along with many other physical or emotional life events can all contribute to a disruption in digestion. Travel in particular disturbs our usual patterns, since we often forget to properly hydrate, may eat differently, and may cross time zones or feel anxious about using unfamiliar bathrooms. Having some tools in your arsenal to keep your digestion moving is key to feeling your best and making your belly and body happy.
Yoga postures (asanas) and breathwork stimulate our organs by constriction and and invigorating blood flood to our bodies. Additionally, yoga stabilizes digestion by working with the Vagus nerve. According to Robin Berzin, MD, the founder of Parsley Health:
The Vagus controls your relaxation response. It is part of the 'parasympathetic' side of your nervous system, which is the 'rest, relax, digest and heal' side. This is the counterpart to the 'sympathetic' nervous system, which is the 'fight or flight' side of the autonomic nervous system.
Consider adding yoga to your daily routine to further improve your digestion, or simply call on them when you’re feeling sluggish—aka constipated (note that different asanas are used for diarrhea, gas and bloating).
Here are a three of my favorite yoga poses that kids and adults can easily access to aid in elimination when your digestion is feeling backed up:
- Cat-Cow
- Malasana (garland or squat)
- Savasana (corpse pose)