It’s easy to overindulge when presented with delicious food and, while Rennie can help to relieve the symptoms of heartburn or indigestion after a heavy meal that bloated feeling can be harder to shift.
Thankfully, there are some very basic things you can do to help – with yoga being one of the best ways to combat stomach pain and bloating.
Yoga Poses that ease bloating and discomfort
Yoga which originated in ancient India is a practice which connects the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. There is a wide range of health benefits linked to practicing Yoga. It improves flexibility, helps posture, builds muscles strength, balances metabolism and improves energy and vitality to name but a few. There are also a wide range of yoga poses which aid digestion to help ease bloating and discomfort
The simplest of these poses is Corpse Pose (Savasana). The giveaway is in the title. For this yoga pose, you just have to lie still on you back, with your palms facing upwards and allow all your stresses, or worries to melt away. Sounds simple yet, Savasana pose is often recognised at the most difficult yoga poses. The key challenge is quieting the mind and focusing on your breath. In today’s modern society where lifestyles are fast paced and people are constantly connected to their phones, it can be difficult to unwind and detach from the day's events. By practicing Savasana it creates a healing environment for your body and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system- known as the “rest and digest” response.
Good technique and proper breathing is vital to ensuring you get the full benefits of yoga and also helps you avoid injuries. Take things slowly to begin with and do not overexert yourself, make sure you are comfortable with the basics before moving on to the more advanced moves. For more advanced yoga poses that aid digestion, consult your local yoga practitioner to discuss how yoga can benefit you.
De-bloat with Herbal Tea
Following your yoga class, it’s great to unwind with a nice cup of herbal tea.
It’s a common notion here in Ireland, that there’s nothing a cup of tea can fix. When you consider the benefits of herbal teas, it’s not that far a stretch from the truth. To beat the bloat, try hot fennel and mint tea or ginger tea. Simply prepare the fennel tea by crushing a tablespoon of fennel seed. Add boiling water and a sprig of fresh mint and allow the tea to steep for a few minutes and strain.
