This is just what your body needs post-Thanksgiving.
Having a strong core does more than allow us to stand tall, sit straight, and be centred. It can also improve us internally, with certain poses massaging our internal organs and intestines that in turn help improve digestion, circulation and coordination.
Here are 4 poses to practise that are especially useful post-Thanksgiving feasting.
Our resident yoga expert Sally Martino @sallyogini shows us how.
Viparita Karani (legs up the wall)
This pose calms your mind and body, bringing you into a parasympathetic state allowing blood flow to the abdomen that aids in digestion and fighting nausea.
Apanasana (wind-relieving pose)
This pose relieves tension in the lower back by drawing your knees to your chest and drawing the tailbone towards the floor. It promotes peristalsis by massaging the colon with your thighs and eases abdominal discomfort.
Supta Jathara Parivartanasana (spinal twist)
These gentle twists promote peristalsis by massaging both the right and left sides of the colon. It is very soothing for your abdomen, especially when cramping.
Marjaryasana and Bitilasana (cat cow pose)
This combination of poses provides a gentle massage for the spine and belly organs and, softly stimulates and strengthens the abdominal organs.
REMEMBER: When practising, maintain deep, conscious breathing whilst moving mindfully and gradually. We ask our muscles to stretch and contract in a gentle way and be mindful of not pushing our bodies into pain or trying to go too far into a pose before the body is ready.
