The following yoga asanas are just a few of the many poses that can affect stomach problems, such as ulcers, by massaging the internal organs, improving glandular functions, decreasing acid production, and reducing stress. A regular hatha yoga practice (asana) in addition to a regular practice of deep yogic breathing (pranayama) will promote faster healing of stomach ulcers and general gastritis. Postures should be restorative or passive with emphasis on the breath.
Lying Twists to Cleanse the Digestive System and Improve Functioning
It is easiest to maintain an aligned and open spine in a supine posture. There are many variations of lying twists: one or both knees may be bent at a time, the legs may remain straight, or even be bound. Regardless of the position of the legs, the chest should remain relaxed and open and the head should turn in the opposite direction of the hips. Twists cleanse and massage the stomach, releasing excess toxins, acidity, bile, and gas in the digestive system.
When twisting so that the hips move to the left and gaze to the right, the stomach is stretched open, increasing blood flow and healing energy to the organ. When the hips move to the right and the gaze to the left in the twist, the stomach is compressed and massaged; toxicity is released, acid production is slowed, and cell regeneration is encouraged.
Inversions to Restore Hormone Balance
Inversions are wonderful for restoring the body's overall hormonal balance and for toning all the internal organs by reversing the flow of gravity. They also have a calming effect on the mind and can relieve anxiety and stress. Except for cases of dangerous high blood pressure, physical injuries of the head and spine, or menstruation, inversions are good for almost any condition caused by stress or hormonal imbalance.
Headstand (Sirsasana)
Perform yoga headstand against a wall, with spotters, or alone if proficient. Do a full headstand only if the body can relax in the posture and the breath is not hindered or quickened.
A half headstand (ardha sirsasana) can be performed from a tripod position (see image) with the knees resting on the elbows or with the legs resting on a chair with the arms in a position most comfortable to the practitioner. Half headstands are more restorative and are actually preferred for treatment of peptic ulcers. What is important about the posture in regards to the stomach is that the abdomen is inverted; the position of the legs has little effect.
Ardha Halasana/Sukha Halasana (Half Plough/Easy Plough Pose)
Half Plough is preferred to a full plough in the case of gastric problems as a deep forward fold sometimes stimulates the production of gastric fluids, by stimulating the fire element in the body. In a shoulderstand with the legs resting on a prop placed behind the head such as a chair, block, or several bolsters, the abdomen remains relaxed, while the benefits of an inversion and a gentle stretch along the verabral column are still experienced (see image).
Passive Backbends Calm the Nervous System and Increase Circulation in the Abdomen
Passive, or supported backbends have the effect of:
- stretching and soothing the vagus nerve, which controls peristalic movement in the stomach, decreasing acid production, and
- increasing blood flow to the digestive organs. They can be done on a full or empty stomach.
Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero's Pose)
This pose, sometimes called the healing pose, has many variations to accommodate the flexibility and joint conditions of the practitioner (see image). Essentially, this is a backbend done with bent legs. The student may be sitting on or between the heels and the pose may be done with back lying on the floor or draped over pillows, bolsters, or blankets. The entire body should be relaxed and comfortable. The low belly stretches open as well as the area below and underneath the rib cage. The breath creates a deep massage in this pose as the movement of the diaphragm and lungs is exaggerated. One may place his hands over the sternum in anjali mudra (prayer) to stimulate the thyroid gland in order to strengthen the body's immune system.
Supported Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose in Shoulderstand)
This is a bridge pose from the shoulders. This asana will have similar affects as supta virasana, but without excessive pressure on the joints and with the added benefits of a gentle inversion. Use a chair or prop of a certain height and length such that the shoulders and the back of the head rest comfortably on the floor and the torso rests on the chair or prop from the top of the thoracic spine to the sacrum. Let the belly be relaxed an open with the legs extended across props of equal height to the prop under the back. Breathe deeply and fully from the belly to the collar bones. Spend five minutes or more in this pose as long as it is comfortable.
Therapeutic yoga often speeds up the process of healing initiated by medication and surgery. With continued practice, yoga can maintain digestive balance and health, restoring and reinforcing the mind-body connection.
Laura Susan Henry - I am currently teaching yoga in Charlotte, North Carolina. I have been many places and lived many lives, but the threads of my life ...
