Hero Pose for Good Digestion

by | Yoga

We are in a season of overindulgence. We move from overeating on Thanksgiving, over shopping on Black Friday, overworking for the next few weeks, and then it starts all over again during the holiday season. Finally, after the New Year, we start to get back to our more moderate routines. It’s a good time to learn Vajrasana, the Hero pose, also known as the digestive pose because it helps to line up all the organs of digestion

If you’re able to sit comfortably on your feet, that’s all there is to it. The tops of the feet are on the floor with the bottoms of the feet facing up. Thighs rest together if you’re able. Many folks need some assistance to keep the ankles and feet comfy, so add a folded blanket under the buttocks or on top of the ankles. You can also try placing a block on the floor between your feet, and sit back on the block. If your upper thighs are tight, don’t sit for too long. Work up to sitting longer. Place the hands on the thighs, lengthen up through the crown of the head with the rib cage lifted. Relax the shoulders.

This pose helps to improve flexibility in the knees, quads and hips. It also helps to strengthen the low back and is a very stable pose to sit in for meditation. Don’t try this pose if you’ve had surgery that left extraneous pins in your knees!

After a big meal or any overindulgence, sit in the digestive pose, vajrasana, and you’ll be less likely to suffer from indigestion. You might even be ready for that last slice of pie! And don’t forget your probiotics! A daily dose of kombucha, miso, yogurt, kimchee, sauerkraut or pickles is a sure fire way to improve digestion and makes it easier for the body to assimilate the nutrients in your food.

Whatever you do, have a fantastic holiday!

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