Big meal? Lots of crazy bloating? You've passed the point of no return with gluten and dairy? Your digestion isn't doomed, you might just need some yoga. Seriously! The trick to calming a distended belly and getting things moving may be a spinal twist or Bow Pose. Check out over 20 of the best moves you can do to get your body back in check.
— Additional reporting by Jenny Sugar
Downward Facing Dog brings the body into alignment and relaxes your gastrointestinal tract.
A calming pose to begin with, forward bends like this one massage your internal organs and increase circulation.
The folding motion in this pose squeezes the belly, which moves things along for digestion.
It may sound counter-intuitive to go upside down, but inversions are a yogi's best defense against digestion issues. Bound Headstand is an ideal pose to stimulate your abdominal muscles.
Open Triangle offers your intestinal track all the debloating benefits of twisting and bending in one pose.
This variation of Revolved Extended Side Angle allows for a deep relaxing twist.
Strala Yoga founder Tara Stiles agrees that twists get things moving and improve circulation, and here's a simple one.
Coming into this pose can be pretty intense when you feel bloated postmeal, but it can help with uncomfortable intestinal gas.
Forward bends like Butterfly are perfect poses to subtly relieve pains from digestion.
This pose focuses on stimulating your core and is an essential pose for healthy digestion.
This stretch will create space in the chest and belly, which may ease belly cramps and can be done on the floor or while sitting in a chair.
This stretch creates space in your stuffed torso, which can ease abdominal cramps.
Seated forward bends like this one compress your abdominal muscles while massaging your colon. To get the most out of this pose, really engage your core and keep the belly active.
Putting a little gentle pressure on your belly might help encourage digestion.
Bow Pose is fantastic for aiding digestion and relieving constipation. This pose really stretches out your entire torso.
Stimulate your abdominal muscles and stretch your lower belly out one last time in Bridge.
Here's another great stretch for the belly.
You may want to experiment with this pose in private — it's also known as the Wind-Relieving Pose.
This stretch feels great if you're bloated, having gas pains, or constipated. You may want to do this stretch in private since it's also called Wind-Relieving Pose.
This simple pose allows your belly to relax.
Here's another relaxing twist you'll want to spend a little extra time in.
Twisting always helps get things moving.
Forward bending creates heat in the abdominal area to keep the digestive juices flowing, and if any of your belly woes are due to stress, this pose will help alleviate those worries.