Top yoga poses for better digestion and gut health this winter

As temperatures drop, our digestive system tends to slow down, leading to issues like bloating, acidity, and indigestion. Regular yoga practice can help stimulate digestion, improve metabolism, and keep the gut healthy during the cold months.

Here are some of the best yoga poses to enhance digestion and support your overall well-being this winter.

Also Read: Morning yoga routine to stay energized and warm this winter

1. Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)

This gentle pose is excellent for releasing trapped gas and easing bloating. Lie on your back, bring your knees to your chest, and hold them with your arms. As you exhale, lift your head toward your knees and hold the position for a few breaths. It massages the abdominal organs and promotes bowel movement, making it ideal for post-meal relaxation.

2. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)

A twisting pose that helps detoxify the digestive system, Ardha Matsyendrasana stimulates the liver and kidneys while enhancing digestion. Sit with one leg bent and the other crossed over, then twist your torso toward the raised knee. This pose encourages better absorption of nutrients and helps relieve constipation.

3. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

Bridge Pose strengthens the back and stimulates the abdominal organs, improving circulation and digestion. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Lift your hips upward while pressing your arms and shoulders into the mat. Hold for a few breaths to improve blood flow to the digestive tract.

4. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

This energizing standing pose promotes flexibility and tones the abdominal muscles. The gentle twist in Trikonasana helps in stimulating digestive juices and relieving sluggish digestion. It’s also great for reducing bloating and improving appetite during the colder months.

5. Apanasana (Knees-to-Chest Pose)

Apanasana is a relaxing asana that soothes the digestive organs and helps eliminate toxins. By drawing the knees to the chest and gently rocking side to side, you can ease pressure on the lower abdomen and promote smoother digestion.

6. Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Child’s Pose is a calming posture that aids digestion by gently compressing the abdominal organs. It also helps reduce stress and fatigue — common factors that can affect digestion in winter.

Also Read: Stretch to slim: Effective yoga poses for healthy weight loss

Practice these poses daily on an empty stomach or at least 3 hours after a meal. Combine them with mindful breathing and warm fluids like herbal tea or hot water with lemon for optimal digestive health this winter.