6 Yoga Treatment For Colitis

Colitis generally indicates the inflammation of the large intestine. One of the major causes of colitis is stress. Mental and physical stress and strain can cause and aggravate the condition. According to Yoga scriptures the fire element in the body controls the digestive system and when fire or Agni is depressed the intestines fail to function properly and the patient suffers from diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and sometimes bleeding through the stool.Certain yoga asanas help to reduce stress, regulate the fire element and strengthen the function of intestines. Regular practice of Yoga under expert guidance can cure colitis permanently.

6 Various Yoga Asanas To Treat Colitis

You should stay in each asana mentioned below for 20-30 seconds, followed by 15-20 minutes relaxation with Shava Asana. You may divide these exercises in two sessions for your comfort.

Bhujanga Asana

Bhujanga asana stimulates heat or Agni in the body and helps to eliminate digestive disorders.

To Perform Bhujanga Asana

Lie down on your stomach with your hands along the sides. Keep your feet close together and chin on the floor. Inhale deeply and lift your chin, head, shoulders and chest above the ground. Simultaneously bring your arms close to the chest with palms facing downwards. Fix your gaze above and stay for 20-30 seconds. Slowly come back to starting position while exhaling. Repeat to complete 3 rounds.

Paschimottan Asana

Paschimottan Asana rekindles gastric juices and increases the flow of energy in the spine. This is one of the most beneficial yoga asana. It helps to reduce fat from the belly and removes stomach ailments.

To Perform Paschimottan Asana

Sit down on a firm mat with your legs stretched in front. Take a deep breath and lift your arms above the head, slowly bend forward while exhaling, stretch your back and try to hold the feet with your hands. Keep your head down and stay in the pose for 20-30 seconds. Keep your knees straight, you can place a rolled towel under the knees to reduce strain. Come back to starting position while inhaling. Repeat to complete 3 rounds.

The Cat Pose

The cat pose stretches the spine, improves blood circulation and stimulates your digestive organs.

To Perform The Cat Pose

Bend on your hands and knees. Curve your back upwards and bend your head to look down towards your navel. Take a deep breath, curve your back downwards and push the abdomen towards the floor. Lift your head and look straight. Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds. Exhale and come back to starting position. Repeat to complete three rounds. Afterwards relax in Vajra asana for 2-3 minutes.

Ardh Matsyendra Asana

Ardh Matsyendra Asana destroys all the diseases of pelvic region. It strengthens the spine and regulates menstrual disorder in women. It stimulates secretion of digestive juices and it helps to reduce stress.

To Perform Ardhmatsyendra Asana

Sit down and stretch your legs in front. Lift your left leg and place the foot under the hip. Fold your right leg and cross it over left leg with your foot stretched out and placed flat on the floor. Wrap your left arm over the right leg and twist your spine while taking your right arm behind the back. Twist your neck sideways and look back. Hold the pose for 30 seconds. Relax and return to starting position. Repeat in the other direction.

Also Read
Home Remedies For Colitis
Naturopathic Treatment Of Inflammatory Colitis

Kapalbhati Pranayama (The Fire Breath)

Kapalbhati Pranayama stimulates the digestive system by increasing the flow of energy and heat in the body. It improves flexibility of abdominal muscles and intestines.

To Perform Kapalbhati Pranayama

Sit comfortably in cross legged position. Keep your spine, shoulders and neck in a straight line. Inhale deeply and expand your abdomen and exhale with a force while pulling in your stomach. Keep breathing in and out with a rhythmic motion of pushing out and pulling in the belly with each inhale and exhale. Do it for 20-30 breaths to start with and gradually increase the strokes up to 100.

You will feel a lot of energy flowing through the body after doing Kapalbhati Pranayama and your digestive tract will be stimulated.

Shava Asana

Finish your yoga session with Shava Asana for complete relaxation and to reduce physical and mental strain.

To Perform Shava Asana

Lie down on your back with your arms along the sides and palms facing upwards. Place your feet at 12 inch distance. Maintain a comfortable position by relaxing your shoulders and neck. Close your eyes and breath normally, focus on your breathing. After 15-20 minutes open your eyes slowly and get up.