If you believe that yoga can help with nausea, you're spot on! That queasy, uneasy sensation can hit you out of nowhere, whether it's due to a migraine, indigestion, or simply stress. But what if we told you that you could calm that upset stomach in just a few minutes? Yes, with just a few simple yoga poses, you can find relief. Intrigued? In this 2-minute read, let us find out how yoga can ease nausea naturally!
Also Read: Nausea/ Vomiting: Hold On To These Ayurvedic Remedies To Tackle This Queasy Sensation
What Is Nausea? Causes and How Yoga Helps
Nausea is a common yet distressing symptom that can stem from various causes, including motion sickness, pregnancy, anxiety, or even digestive issues. This uncomfortable sensation can disrupt daily activities and diminish overall well-being. While conventional remedies such as medication and dietary adjustments can provide relief, many individuals are seeking holistic approaches to manage their symptoms more naturally.
Also Read: Dumping Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Enter Yoga—a time-honoured practice that harmonizes the body and mind through movement, breath, and meditation. Certain yoga asanas target the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, and peripheral nerves, all of which can contribute to feelings of nausea. By incorporating these poses into your practice, you can experience a gentle yet effective remedy for this discomforting sensation.
Here are the five best yoga poses to combat this queasy feeling and bring relief to nausea.
5 Best Yoga Poses For Nausea Relief And Digestion
Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)
Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart and your feet together behind you. Sit back on your heels, keeping your spine erect. Slowly lower your back to the floor, extending your legs in front of you. Rest your head on the floor or a block for support. Breathe deeply for several minutes.
Benefits:
This asana is considered as one of the most effective yoga poses for nausea. This pose lifts the weight of the diaphragm off the liver and stomach, giving them more space and time to recuperate. When combined with deep breathing, Supta Virasana can help relax your body, relieve stress and tension, and provide instant relief from nausea.
Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
Sit on the floor with your back straight. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together. Next, allow your knees to fall out to the sides in a right-angle fashion. Grasp your feet with your hands and gently pull them toward your groin. Breathe deeply and hold the pose for 2-3 minutes.
Benefits:
Baddha Konasana is another effective pose for nausea relief, particularly when caused by gas or morning sickness. This asana stimulates the abdominal organs and removes blocks, helping to alleviate nausea when combined with proper breathing.
Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall Pose)
Initially, sit about 3 inches from an empty wall. Lie onto the back and swing your legs upwards in such a way that the back of the thigh rests against the wall. Rest your entire back, i.e., the spinal column on the floor below and relax the arms on either side of the body or the tummy. Hold the position for 10 minutes or as long as you can and then slowly pull your leg back to the starting position.
Benefits:
Viparita Karani is a comforting asana that removes stress and fatigue in a matter of minutes. This pose calms your body while regulating imbalances, improving oxygenation to your stomach, and reducing nausea.
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Spinal Twist)
Sit straight with your legs stretched out and feet together. Bend your right leg and place the heel of your right foot beside your left hip. Slowly, take the left leg over the right knee. Put your right hand on your left foot and your left hand behind you. Twist the waist, shoulders, and neck to the left and look over the left side shoulder. Hold this posture and continue breathing in and out gently. Slowly return to the initial position and repeat in the same manner on the other side.
Benefits:
Ardha Matsyendrasana stimulates peristalsis, the muscular wave-like movement that forces contents throughout the digestive system. This pose improves digestion and helps relieve constipation, which can contribute to nausea. Ardha Matsyendrasana also increases the circulation of blood and oxygen to the spine and skeletal muscular system along the spine.
Shavasana (Corpse Pose):
Lie down on your back, with your spine straight and close your eyes. Relax your body and mind and ponder on happy, peaceful thoughts. Take your time while you are in the corpse pose and let go of all worries. Breathe normally while you are in this posture. After 5 minutes, stand up and go off to sleep.
Benefits:
The corpse pose calms the body, flushes out toxins, and promotes a peaceful state that benefits both physical health and mental well-being.
Conclusion
By incorporating these five yoga poses and deep breathing techniques into your routine, you can experience the calming and restorative benefits of yoga for nausea relief. Remember to listen to your body and adjust the poses as needed to ensure your comfort and safety. With regular practice, you can find relief from nausea and restore balance to your mind and body.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold a yoga pose to relieve nausea?
Holding each pose for 2–5 minutes while focusing on deep breathing can enhance its nausea-relieving effects.
Can yoga help with nausea caused by motion sickness?
Yes, gentle yoga poses combined with controlled breathing can calm the nervous system and alleviate motion sickness.
Is yoga safe for nausea during pregnancy?
Yes, gentle poses like Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) and Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani) can help manage morning sickness, but consult your doctor first.
How does deep breathing in yoga help with nausea?
Deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress, relaxing the stomach, and easing nausea.
Can yoga help with nausea caused by anxiety or stress?
Yes, restorative yoga poses and mindful breathing can lower stress hormones and calm an uneasy stomach.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
1. Effects of Yoga on Post-Chemotherapy Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Kazhal Rezaei1, Marziyeh Asadizaker2, Seyyed Mohammad Hoseini3, Simin Jahani4 and Seyyed Mahmood Latifi5
https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol10no2/effects-of-yoga-on-post-chemotherapy-nausea-and-vomiting/
