It’s that time of year! I don’t know about you but Thanksgiving is my favorite meal so I eat plenty of it. Sometimes, if I don’t pace myself, I need yoga to save the day by helping me digest. So here are 3 simple yoga poses that aid in that process.
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose gently helps stimulate proper digestion, making it an effective yoga pose for Thanksgiving.
- Sit on the floor with your legs in front of you, bend your right knee and bring the sole of the foot to the mat on the outside of your left thigh. Bend your left knee and tuck the foot in by your right glute.
- Inhale and elongate the spine. Exhale and twist toward the inside of your right thigh. Press your right hand on the floor behind you and bring your left elbow to the outside of the right knee.
- Take your gaze over your right shoulder as you twist from the belly.
- Each time you inhale, left through the sternum. Twist a a little more with each exhalation.
Half Gas Release Pose (I’m not kidding…) is a yoga pose that helps move the bowels because it compresses the ascending colon on the right side and descending colon on the left, stimulating the nerves to aid elimination.
- Hug your right knee in toward the right side of your ribcage.
- Press your left leg straight into the mat. Clasp your hands around your right shin and pull it toward your chest.
- Hold for up to 2 minutes then repeat with the left leg.
This Single-Leg Reclined Twist can leave you feeling refreshed at the end of a yoga class. It can also help if you’re suffering from constipation.
1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet comfortably on the floor.
2. Bend the left knee and slowly straighten the right leg toward the short edge of your mat.
3. Roll onto your right side, bringing your left knee with you as you turn. Your left knee may drop to the floor; if it doesn’t, you can place a blanket or bolster beneath it for support.
4. Make the effort to keep your left shoulder on the mat for a deeper twist.
Then inhale deeply, exhale, and relax your breath and the pose.
Don’t forget to do the other side!
Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours!
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