Digestive & Gut Health

Which yoga poses help with bloating and constipation?

Gentle movements involving the abdomen and spine are commonly used in yoga routines for bloating or constipation, including Pawanmuktasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Cat-Cow and Malasana. These poses should be adapted to comfort rather than treated as a guaranteed way to relieve digestive symptoms.

Contents
  1. 01Common examples
  2. 02When to practise
Health guide
01

Common examples

Pawanmuktasana is a gentle abdominal-compression posture. Ardha Matsyendrasana adds a seated spinal rotation, Cat-Cow uses repeated spinal flexion and extension, and Malasana uses a squat position. These movements are commonly included in routines aimed at comfortable abdominal movement.

There is a difference between traditional use of a pose and clinical evidence that it treats constipation or bloating. These examples are best understood as movement options, not as a replacement for assessment when symptoms persist.

02

When to practise

The source material recommends avoiding stronger twists or deep abdominal compression immediately after a meal and suggests waiting around 2 to 3 hours before deeper practice. Gentle movement may be tolerated sooner, depending on the individual.

After abdominal surgery or with a known abdominal condition, get appropriate medical advice before using strong twists or compression-based poses.

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