Yoga Day 2017: 5 Easy Yoga Asanas For An Upset Stomach During Monsoons

Most of us have experienced an upset stomach at least once in our lifetime. The constant pain, frequent trips to the bathroom and bloated feeling you get after an upset stomach are enough reasons to ask for help. In India, over 1.3 million deaths are caused every year, due to diarrhoea. The primary reasons for the disease being the consumption of contaminated food or water. While most people resort to medication or eating bland food to cure themselves of this problem, certain exercises, particularly yoga is a great natural option to resort to. Yoga helps to calm your mind and nervous system, allowing more energy to be directed to your stomach. It eases digestion by stimulating your abdominal organs.

If you have been experiencing nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps due to an upset stomach, here are 5 easy and effective yoga asanas to soothe your stomach:

1. Apanasana

Also called the knees-to-chest pose, this asana releases the excess pressure from your digestive tract and lower back.

How to do this pose: Lie down on your back with your legs and arms stretched on the ground. Now inhale. While you exhale, lift and bring you knees closer to your chest. Hug your knees in that position for 5-10 minutes and then repeat.

2. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

This particular pose, also called the 'bridge pose' helps to improve your blood flow, making you feel more energized. It also stimulates thyroid gland to regulate metabolism.

How to do this pose: Lie down on the floor with your arms stretched by your side. Now bend your knees and pull them closer to your body. Next, lift your hips up so you can stretch you back well. Be careful and do not over stretch your body while doing this.

3. Paschimottanasana

More commonly known as the 'seated forward bend', this pose improves your digestion and appetite. It stretches your spine and relieves any undue stress.

How to do this pose: Sit down with your legs stretched in front of you. Slowly bend forward, hinging on your hips. Now stretch your arms and place them on the ground in front of you. Hold the pose for 1-3 minutes or as long as you can.

4. Balasana

This pose involves conscious exploration of your breathing to relieve the tension in your abdominal muscles. This is also known as the child's pose.

How to do this pose: Sit on your knees with your legs slightly apart. Now bend forward and stretch your arms in front of you. Slowly place your forehead on the floor while keeping you back straight. Hold this pose for anywhere between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.

5. Uttanasana

Commonly called the 'standing forward bend' pose, this asana strengthens your spine. It cures an upset stomach by reducing pressure of digestive air.

How to do this pose: Stand straight with your legs apart. Now bend forward hinging on your waist. Place your hand on the ground and try to touch your toes. Remain in this pose for as long and you can and then repeat.

Yoga can be a miraculous solution for your upset stomach. Whether you are suffering after over-indulgence or even if you experience chronic diarrhea, these asanas will help you protect yourself from unwanted pain.