Bloating is a common concern for many of us. Everything from drinking carbonated beverages to overeating, constipation or your menstrual cycle can contribute. While it may not be an indicator of a more serious underlying issue, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t eager to find relief.
“Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the belly (abdomen) feels full and tight,” naturopath and general family practitioner Dr. Yelena Deshko explains. “In many cases this happens from an accumulation of gas in the digestive tract.”
Luckily, there are simple stretches that may help. These can be done first thing in the morning, or any time that you feel a release of gas is necessary. “To help relieve trapped gas, certain stretches may be helpful,” she explains.
Wind Relieving Pose
In yoga there is actually a specific pose named “wind relieving pose,” Dr. Deshko explains.
How to do it: Begin by lying on your back, with your legs and arms extended. As you exhale, draw both of your knees to your chest. Clasp your hands around them. While holding only your right knee, release your left leg and extend it along the floor. Hold this pose for up to one minute. Draw your left knee back in towards your chest and clasp your hands around both knees again. While holding only your left knee, release your right leg and extend it along the floor. Hold this pose for the same amount of time. Finally, draw both knees to your chest. With an exhalation, release and extend both legs along the floor and rest.
“While this stretch is suitable for beginners, certain people should not practice it,” Dr. Deshko reminds. This includes anyone recovering from abdominal surgery or hernia, people with spinal injury or sciatica, and pregnant women. Noted!
