Healthy Digestion

​As we continue our journey through the body’s systems, we turn now to our digestive system and how yoga helps it to function more efficiently. According to yoga’s health science, Ayurveda, the digestive system is the most important system of the whole body. The physical act of digestion is responsible for absorption and assimilation of nutrients which is essential for our overall health. In fact, the digestive tract is actually called “the channel of food,” so it is true that we become what we eat.

We all know that movement is good for the body and it is especially useful for the digestive system. A short walk after meals helps our food to digest well and it moves glucose more quickly through the blood stream, a plus if our blood sugar levels are higher than they should be. (That’s 50% of the American population!)

But here’s an important yoga tip: Wait at least two hours after eating to practice yoga. We move our bodies differently in yoga class, in ways that are more stimulating for the digestive tract overall, not the immediate effects that come from a brisk walk in the hour after a meal. For this reason, yoga maintains the health of the digestive organs for a lifetime and should be part of everyone’s weekly routine.

Here are the best yoga practices for the digestive organs:

• Twists: These are the best poses because of a process called squeeze and soak. When we move the abdomen into a twist (seated, standing or lying down), we squeeze the digestive organs which are all situated in the central part of the body. This squeezing action gently massages the organs and presses some of the fluids out of the organs. When we release the twist, fresh fluids return to the organs. (You can see why we don’t want to practice yoga on a full stomach!)

• Inversions that lift the abdomen: This could include lying down on the floor with the pelvis lifted on a bolster or block, or even taking the legs up the wall. In yoga, we bring emphasis to the part of the body that is lifted.

• Restorative yoga poses: When we lie down on the floor and support the body with lots of props—blankets, bolsters and blocks—we calm the nervous system. A calm nervous system retreats from fight or flight and embraces rest and digest. Just listen for the gurgles in the belly.

Additionally, we can support our bodies with healthy, seasonal food. Yoga practice and sensible eating work together to keep us well all year long.