5 Effective Yoga Poses For Nausea

Nausea is an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach, with an involuntary desire to vomit, to relieve oneself of the feeling. Nausea can be caused due to sickness such as fever or stomach infections, motion sickness, depression, headache, dizziness and a host of other conditions.

Nausea is medically treated with antimetics. However, before opting for medication, one can try natural methods to relieve nausea. Certain yoga poses are found to effectively treat nausea, especially in chronic cases.

Yoga Exercises For Nausea

1. Adho Mukha Swastikasana (Downward Facing Cross Legged Pose)

Adho Mukha Swastikasana is a simple exercise that can be quickly performed when nauseated. Sit cross-legged on the floor and simply bend your body forward. You can stop bending when your upper body is at an angle of 45 degrees with your legs. Rest your arms on a chair kept in front of you. You can also bend your body completely till your forehead touches the ground in front of you and your hands are stretched outwards. Keep your eyes closed and remain in this pose for a couple of minutes. Repeat the exercise, if required. This pose is found to relieve nausea by massaging and energizing the abdominal organs and muscles.

2. Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall Pose)

Viparita Karani can be performed effortlessly. Lie on a yoga mat on the floor by a wall. Take steps up the wall till your entire leg and sitting bones are rested straight against the wall. Remain in this position for 8 minutes. Gradually, lower your legs and repeat this exercise, if necessary. This asana tones up the digestive tissue, thereby improving the power of digestion and fighting indigestion that causes nausea. This pose enhances the gastric fire.

3. Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)

Supta Virasana is one of the yoga exercises that require less effort to be performed. As it is a pose that involves lying down, it can provide relief during the time of nausea. All you have to do to perform this asana is to kneel down and rest your sit bones between your legs on the ground. Your buttocks should not be rested on your legs.

Now, stretch your body backwards and bend till your back and head are completely rested on the floor. Remain in this pose for 5-8 minutes. The Reclining Hero Pose is beneficial for relieving nausea, as it reduces pressure on the stomach and liver by lifting the diaphragm away from them.

4. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)

Baddha Konasana is a sitting yoga exercise that can be readily performed. Squat on the floor and bring together the soles of both feet. Now bring the feet close to the pelvic region. Remain in this pose for 2-5 minutes. Repeat this exercise, if necessary. This exercise stretches out the abdominal organs and stimulates them.

5. Yoga Deep Breathing

Yoga deep breathing can relieve nausea by relaxing pressure on the abdomen and diaphragm. Sit cross-legged on the floor, close your eyes and deeply inhale and exhale.  Breathe in slowly, hold the breath for a while, and exhale slowly, keeping your eyes closed. The flow of fresh oxygen through your body will help in relieving nausea. Breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes. Repeat the exercise, if required.