Last Updated on May 2, 2024 by Francis
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing discomfort and sometimes pain. While medication can provide relief, yoga poses can also be a helpful addition to your treatment plan. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best yoga poses for acid reflux and how they can help alleviate symptoms.
Yoga is a physical and spiritual practice that incorporates postures, breathing, and meditation techniques to promote physical and mental health. For people suffering from acid reflux, practicing yoga can be beneficial in reducing symptoms and preventing future episodes. In this article, we will explore some of the best yoga poses for acid reflux and their benefits.
Understanding Acid Reflux
Before we dive into yoga poses, it’s important to understand what acid reflux is and what causes it. Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, doesn’t close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. There are several factors that can contribute to this, including obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain foods and beverages.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest that often occurs after eating. Other symptoms include:
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Chest pain
If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Yoga Poses for Acid Reflux
Yoga can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux by improving digestion, reducing stress, and strengthening the muscles in the abdomen and diaphragm. Here are some yoga poses that can be particularly helpful:
1. Cat-Cow Pose
Cat-Cow Pose is a gentle spinal stretch that can help improve digestion and reduce stress. To perform this pose:
- Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.
- Inhale as you arch your back and lift your head and tailbone towards the ceiling, coming into Cow Pose.
- Exhale as you round your spine and tuck your chin to your chest, coming into Cat Pose.
- Repeat for several breaths, moving smoothly between the two poses.
2. Downward-Facing Dog Pose
Downward-Facing Dog Pose is a full-body stretch that can help strengthen the muscles in the abdomen and diaphragm. To perform this pose:
- Exhale as you lift your hips up and back, coming into an inverted V-shape.
- Press your hands and feet into the ground, lengthening through your spine and legs.
- Hold for several breaths, then release.
3. Bridge Pose
Bridge Pose is a gentle backbend that can help stretch the chest and improve digestion. To perform this pose:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
- Inhale as you lift your hips up towards the ceiling, coming into Bridge Pose.
- Press your feet and arms into the ground, lifting your chest towards your chin.
4. Seated Forward Bend Pose
Seated Forward Bend Pose is a gentle forward fold that can help stretch the back and improve digestion. To perform this pose:
- Sit on the ground with your legs extended in front of you.
- Inhale as you reach your arms up towards the ceiling.
- Exhale as you fold forward from the hips, reaching towards your feet.
5. Corpse Pose
Corpse Pose is a relaxation pose that can help reduce stress and promote overall relaxation. To perform this pose:
- Lie on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs extended.
- Allow your body to relax completely, releasing any tension in your muscles.
- Focus on your breath, allowing it to become slow and steady.
- Stay in this pose for several minutes, or as long as you like.
FAQs for the topic: what yoga poses are good for acid reflux
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where the stomach’s contents, including stomach acid, flow back up into the esophagus. The most common symptoms are heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
Can yoga help with acid reflux?
Yes, certain yoga poses can be helpful in managing acid reflux symptoms. Yoga has been found to reduce stress, improve digestion, and strengthen the muscles around the esophagus and upper digestive tract, which can all contribute to reducing acid reflux symptoms.
What are some yoga poses that can help with acid reflux?
Some yoga poses that can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms include the cat-cow stretch, which helps stretch and massage the digestive organs, the seated forward bend, which helps calm the mind and reduce stress, and the bridge pose, which helps strengthen the abdominal muscles.
Are there any yoga poses that should be avoided for acid reflux?
Yes, certain poses can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms and should be avoided. These include inversions such as headstands, handstands, and shoulder stands, as well as poses that compress the abdomen like the boat pose and the upward dog.
Is it better to do yoga before or after meals for acid reflux?
It is generally recommended to practice yoga on an empty stomach or at least two to three hours after a meal to allow for proper digestion. Practicing yoga too soon after eating can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
Can breathing exercises also help with acid reflux?
Yes, breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing and deep belly breathing can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve digestion, all of which can contribute to managing acid reflux symptoms.
