Most new parents knows how to burp a baby by gently ‘bicycling’ the reclining infant’s legs, but they may not know that this technique is an adaptation of a yoga pose. Livestrong readers were introduced to one of several Wind Relieving poses, the Pawanmuktasana, in a post from May of this year. “Start by lying on your back on a yoga mat. Slowly bring your left knee to your chest and gasp your knee with both hands, pulling it towards yourself. Hold for five seconds and release, then repeat with the right leg. Next, bring both legs to your chest and wrap your arms around them to pull them close to your body. This will help put pressure on your belly to move the gas through your system.*”
Pawanmuktasana isn’t the only asana, or pose, that can help relieve the pain and pressure of intestinal gas. Try kneeling with your head to the floor and your hands resting either by your ears or extended a comfortable distance in front of you (Child’s Pose). Alternatively, Cat Stretch (a posture in which you place your knees hands on the floor and tense your stomach muscles, then release and arch your back) can also bring relief.
If yoga doesn’t interest you, try walking at a gentle but steady pace. The custom of taking a walk after dinner may be a throwback to your great-grandparents’ day, but they were onto something! Your body needs to be in motion in order to “help your stomach empty faster” and “stimulate the passage of gas through your digestive tract.” (Source: Everyday Health, 8/1/2013)
Exercise experts agree that strong abdominals help to move gas through your body; so you’ll not only look better, you’ll feel better, too!
As always, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program, and keep CharcoCaps on hand to keep gas pain and bloating at bay.
*http://bit.ly/1DI9W8c