Yoga Medicine for Gut Health

Stress, genetic disposition, chronic disease, and food allergies or intolerances can lead anyone down the unpleasant phases on the Bristol Stool Chart (i.e., what is your poop saying about your present state of health). Stool type is not the sexiest topic, but everyone poops, so let’s consider this the visceral part of the human condition. If you’re outputting anything but “regular” voiding, you may have looked to alternatives for gut relief.

Maybe you’ve tried essential oil therapy of basil, lavender, or peppermint oils. Perhaps you’ve chewed bismuth subsalicylate to stop indigestion, flatulence, or diarrhea. Maybe you’ve followed the wrong principles of Ayurveda — not according to your dosha. Maybe you wanted the gelato one night, and now you’re paying for it days later.

Yoga may not heal a gut’s microbiome like probiotics (eg. kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut) and prebiotic fiber (eg. bananas, garlic, onions, whole grains). Still, certain poses can relieve uncomfortable gut spasms and increase gastrointestinal motility.

Yoga Poses for Gut Health

The following yoga poses move from beginner to intermediate. Know where you are and bring that version to the mat. Be gentle with yourself; show grace. Listen, notice, and avoid placing judgment.

• Start in corpse pose (Savasana), stretch it…