Home/Blog/Lifestyle/Yoga/Top 14 Exercises & Yoga Poses for Constipation

Top 14 Exercises & Yoga Poses for Constipation

Written byNikhil Ambatkar

Last updated on : 01 Sep, 2024

Read time : 13 min

Yoga for Constipation

If you’re tired of dealing with constipation, it’s time to explore natural remedies like yoga for constipation relief. Yoga help stimulates digestion, improve bowel movement, and promote overall digestive health. Incorporating these simple yet effective yoga postures into your daily routine can relieve constipation and enjoy a healthier digestive system. This blog guide you through various poses of yoga for constipation. 

Constipation is the infrequent and painful bowel movements, typically fewer than three times a week, resulting in hard, dry stools. Symptoms include infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, difficulty or pain passing stools, and a sensation of incomplete evacuation. This can be caused by various factors such as inadequate fibre intake, lack of physical activity, slow movement of stool through the colon, and gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. Other causes for constipation include pregnancy, ageing, travel, or ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement. Sometimes medications and dietary supplements, such as antacids, diuretics, and iron supplements, can also contribute to constipation. Changes in diet, insufficient liquid intake, and underlying conditions like coeliac disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or Parkinson’s disease can exacerbate constipation. Additionally, pelvic floor disorders in women and intestinal obstructions or tumours can lead to constipation. To improve constipation naturally, increase dietary fibre through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity, including yoga, to stimulate bowel movements. Establishing a consistent bathroom routine and reducing stress can also aid in alleviating symptoms. Incorporating natural laxatives like prunes or flaxseeds into the diet may provide further relief.

Best Yoga Poses for Constipation

List of Best Yoga Poses to Relieve Constipation

  1. Wind-relieving pose (Pawanmuktasana)
  2. Half-wind pose (Ardha Pavan Muktasana)
  3. Half spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
  4. Child’s pose (Balasana)
  5. Cobra pose (Bhujangasana)
  6. Butterfly pose (Badhakonasana)
  7. Crescent lunge twist (Anjaneyasana)
  8. Bow pose (Dhanurasana)
  9. Adamant pose (Vajrasana)

1) Wind-relieving pose (Pawanmuktasana)

  • Lie on a mat with legs hip-width apart. Bring knees to chest and hold them.
  • Keep breathing normally and lift your head towards your knees. 
  • Hold for 5-10 seconds, maintaining breath. 
  • Lower your head to the floor and exhale. Repeat, taking deep breaths, to encourage soft stool.

2) Half-wind pose (Ardha Pavan Muktasana)

  • Lie on a mat with feet apart and hands beside you. 
  • Lift and bend one leg towards your body, holding it. 
  • Hold for three seconds and repeat. 
  • Return to the starting position. Repeat with the other leg. Do this set 5 times.
  • Integrate this practical exercise for constipation into your daily routine and experience natural relief and improved bowel regularity.

3) Half spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

Ardha-Matsyendrasana
  • Sit with legs extended. 
  • Cross the left leg over the right. 
  • Lift right arm, twist left, bringing right elbow outside the left knee. 
  • Place left hand behind for support. 
  • Hold, breathe, then release. 
  • Repeat with the right leg crossed and twist to the right.

4) Child’s pose (Balasana)

  • Start on all fours on a mat.
  • Lower your hips towards your ankles, spreading your arms on the ground.
  • Ensure your head is tucked between your arms.
  • Breathe steadily and hold this position for 10-15 seconds before releasing.
  • You can widen your knees to stretch the lower back and thighs or keep your knees bent.
  • Return to the starting position.
  • Repeat this sequence five times as an exercise for constipation.
  • Try this asana for constipation daily.

5) Cobra pose (Bhujangasana)

Cobra-pose
  • Lie down on your stomach with your legs extended.
  • Place palms near shoulders, fingers forward.
  • Inhale, lift the upper body with slightly bent elbows.
  • Keep lower body grounded.
  • Hold, breathe, and lengthen your neck.
  • Exhale, lower back down.
  • Repeat a few times, focusing on controlled movements.

6) Butterfly pose (Badhakonasana)

  • Sit comfortably and extend your legs in front of you.
  • Bend your knees, thus bringing the soles of your feet together, holding onto your toes with both hands.
  • Gently pull your heels towards your groin, feeling a stretch in your inner thighs.
  • Now, with a fluttering motion, move your legs up and down to stretch the muscles in your inner thighs and groin area, which can become tight.
  • Repeat 50 times of this exercise for constipation.

7) Crescent lunge twist (Anjaneyasana)

  • Step your right foot ahead into a lunge, left foot back.
  • Bend the right knee, keep the left leg straight.
  • Inhale, raise arms overhead.
  • Exhale, twist to the right, bringing left elbow outside the right knee.
  • Press palms together at the heart centre.
  • Hold, breathe, gaze forward or look over the right shoulder.
  • Release, bring hands down.
  • Repeat, switching sides.

8) Bow pose (Dhanurasana)

Dhanurasana
  • Lie on your stomach, legs extended, arms by your sides.
  • Bend your knees, thus reaching back to hold your ankles.
  • Inhale, lift chest and thighs and pull ankles.
  • Lift legs and chest, creating a bow shape.
  • Gaze forward, and breathe steadily.
  • Hold, feeling the stretch and engaging back muscles.
  • Exhale, lower down to the mat.
  • Rest in Child’s Pose.

9) Adamant pose (Vajrasana)

Vajrasana
  • Kneel on a mat, knees together, feet slightly apart.
  • Sit back on heels, hands on thighs.
  • Keep spine upright, shoulders relaxed.
  • Rest hands comfortably, palms up or down.
  • Breathe deeply, relax and find calmness.
  • Hold for a few minutes, focusing on breathing.
  • Release by leaning forward and coming out of the pose.

The Best Exercise for Constipation

List of Best Exercise to Relieve Constipation

  1. Deep squat
  2. Half-lying leg ups
  3. Chair exercises
  4. Pelvic tilt ball squeeze
  5. Deep breathing exercises

1) Deep squat

  • Stand with your feet broader than hip-width apart, toes slightly outward.
  • Lower into a squat, like sitting back into a chair.
  • Keep heels down, chest lifted, and back straight.
  • Bring hands together at the chest or extend forward.
  • Engage your core and breathe.
  • Hold, then stand back up.
  • Repeat for better results.
  • Incorporate this exercise for constipation into your daily schedule.

2) Half-lying leg ups

  • Lie down on your back with your legs straight.
  • Lift one leg towards the ceiling.
  • Lower the leg back down.
  • Repeat with the other leg.
  • Alternate between legs, lifting and lowering.
  • Engage core and maintain control.
  • Perform desired repetitions.

3) Chair exercises

  • Sit on a chair with a straight back, feet flat on the ground, and hands on thighs.
  • Bend forward, touch the ground with your hands, and hold briefly.
  • Lift back up and repeat.
  • Bring one leg towards the chest, bending the head to touch the knee.
  • Hold briefly, release, and repeat.
  • Repeat with the other leg.
  • Repeat the set around ten times.
  • This exercise for bowel movement helps to relieve constipation.

4) Pelvic tilt ball squeeze

  • Lie down and bend your knees.
  • Place a medicine ball between your knees.
  • Perform a pelvic tilt, pressing your lower back to the floor.
  • Lift both legs with the ball and squeeze it using your legs.
  • Hold for three counts, then release.
  • Repeat five times for constipation relief.

5) Deep breathing exercises

Deep-breathing-exercises
  • Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
  • Take a slow and deep breath via your nose.
  • Exhale slowly through your mouth.
  • Focus on the sensation of your breath, breathing deeply and fully.
  • Make your inhales and exhales smooth and even.
  • Practice for a few minutes, gradually increasing the duration.

Also read: Bhramari pranayama (bee breath) benefits

How can Yoga and Exercise Help with Constipation?

Yoga and exercise for constipation offer natural and holistic approaches. By incorporating regular physical activity and specific yoga poses like lotus position or Padmasana into your routine, you can experience relief from constipation while enhancing your overall well-being.

Reducing stress

Yoga and exercise are excellent stress relievers. Stress can negatively impact digestion and contribute to constipation. Engaging in yoga and exercise helps reduce stress levels, promoting healthy digestion and bowel movements.

Improves digestive health

Yoga poses, like twists and forward bends, stimulate the abdominal muscles and massage the digestive organs, aiding in the smooth movement of stool through the intestines. Exercise, especially cardio activities, increases blood flow to the digestive system, enhancing efficiency.

When is the best time to exercise?

The best time to exercise depends on personal preference and schedule. Some people find that working out in the morning boosts their energy levels and sets a positive tone for the day. Others prefer exercising in the afternoon or evening to relieve stress and unwind. Ultimately, the key is consistency. Find a time that aligns with your routine and allows you to maintain a regular exercise regimen that works best for you.

Conclusion

Incorporating yoga for constipation or doing gentle exercises into your routine can be a beneficial approach for managing the condition. These low-impact activities, such as yoga poses, deep breathing exercises, and stretches, help stimulate digestion, improve bowel movement, and relieve stress. 

By focusing on relaxation, stretching the abdominal muscles, and promoting healthy digestion, gentle exercises and yoga offer a natural and holistic way to alleviate constipation. Prioritising your overall well-being will contribute to a healthier digestive system and improved quality of life.

You can download our user-friendly Truemeds app for easy access to medicine at low rates. Submit your prescription to our platform to receive branded and generic medications. Enjoy savings on purchases and the added convenience of free home delivery on relevant orders across India*.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended position for relieving constipation?

The recommended position for relieving constipation is to sit on a toilet with your feet supported by a footstool, allowing your knees to be slightly higher than your hips. This position helps align the rectum for easier elimination.

What are some practical ways to alleviate constipation within 30 minutes?

Alleviating constipation within 30 minutes requires immediate actions such as drinking warm water, performing gentle abdominal exercises, or consuming fibre-rich foods like prunes. However, long-term management and consulting a healthcare professional are advised for sustained relief.

What are natural remedies for relieving constipation?

Natural remedies for relieving constipation include increasing fibre intake through foods like whole grains, legumes, and leafy greens, staying hydrated by drinking enough water, practising regular physical activity, managing stress levels, and considering natural supplements like psyllium husk or probiotics.

Can Ayurveda provide a permanent cure for constipation?

Ayurveda offers various treatments and lifestyle modifications that can provide long-term relief from constipation. Ayurvedic approaches may involve dietary changes, herbal remedies, specific yoga poses, and stress reduction techniques. However, consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised advice and treatment is essential.

Which foods are known to cause constipation?

Foods known to cause constipation include processed foods high in fat and sugar, low-fibre foods like white bread and pasta, dairy products, red meat, and fried or greasy foods.

What are the top 10 foods that help with relieving constipation?

The top 10 foods that help relieve constipation are prunes, apples, pears, kiwi, berries, flaxseeds, chia seeds, leafy greens, whole grains, and legumes.

What are some tips to prevent constipation?

Tips to prevent constipation include maintaining a high-fibre diet, drinking plenty of water, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress levels, establishing a consistent bathroom routine, and avoiding prolonged sitting or holding back the urge to go.

Which cases of constipation should be considered severe?

Severe cases of constipation may include symptoms such as persistent or severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or a sudden change in bowel habits. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention.

Where is the pain typically located during constipation?

The pain during constipation is typically located in the lower abdomen, around the area of the colon.

Does constipation contribute to gas formation?

Yes, constipation can contribute to gas formation. When stool builds up in the colon, it can cause bloating and discomfort, producing excessive gas.

Which yoga is good for constipation?

Yoga poses like Wind-Relieving Pose (Pavanamuktasana), Cobra pose (Bhujangasana), Half spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana), Butterfly pose (Badhakonasana), Adamant pose (Vajrasana), Crescent lunge twist (Anjaneyasana), Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), and Forward Fold (Uttanasana) are best yoga for constipation. It can help stimulate digestion and relieve constipation by improving blood flow to the digestive organs and massaging the abdominal area.

What is the best exercise for constipation?

A brisk walk or jogging are best constipation exercise that can help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. It increases blood flow to the intestines and encouraging natural movement of the digestive system. Additionally, core muscles exercises, such as pelvic tilts and abdominal crunches, can help relieve constipation.

Are bananas good for constipation?

Yes, bananas are good for constipation. These are high in fiber content, which helps promote bowel regularity by adding bulk to stool. Additionally, bananas contain natural sugars and electrolytes, which can aid in maintaining hydration and supporting healthy digestion.

Which Mudra is best for constipation?

The Shankh Mudra is considered beneficial for constipation as it helps stimulate digestion. It is formed by joining the tips of the thumb, middle, and ring fingers while keeping the other fingers extended. It relieve stomach discomfort by balancing the elements in the body.

Disclaimer 

The content provided within this article has been thoroughly verified for accuracy. However, we advise consulting a healthcare professional before utilising any medication or dietary supplements mentioned herein.

References

  • Gao R, Tao Y, Zhou C, Li J, Wang X, Chen L, Li F, Guo L. Exercise therapy in patients with constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. 2019 Feb 1;54(2):169-77. [Cited on 2023 July 14]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30843436/ 
  • Meshkinpour H, Selod S, Movahedi H, Nami N, James N, Wilson A. Effects of regular exercise in the management of chronic idiopathic constipation. Digestive diseases and sciences. 1998 Nov;43:2379-83. [Cited on 2023 July 14]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9824122/ 
  • Silva CA, Motta ME. The use of abdominal muscle training, breathing exercises and abdominal massage to treat paediatric chronic functional constipation. Colorectal disease. 2013 May;15(5):e250-5. [Cited on 2023 July 14]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23375005/ 
  • Evans S, Lung KC, Seidman LC, Sternlieb B, Zeltzer LK, Tsao JC. Iyengar yoga for adolescents and young adults with irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2014 Aug;59(2):244. [Cited on 2023 July 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4146428/ 
  • Setia G, Ramanathan M, Bhavanani AB, Prabu BS, Vinoth B, Ananthkrishnan N. Adjuvant yoga therapy for symptom management of functional dyspepsia: A case series. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2023 May 1;14(3):100715. [Cited on 2023 July 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10213372/
Select Category
Was this article useful?
51 people find this information helpful

Meet our Health Experts

View All
Dr. Nikhil Ambatkar
Dr. Nikhil Ambatkar

Ph.D, M.Tech, B.Tech

6 years
Dr. Sachin Singh
Dr. Sachin Singh

MBBS

5 years
Dr. Mandeep Chadha
Dr. Mandeep Chadha

MBBS, DNB (OBGY)

10 years
Amatul Ameen
Amatul Ameen

B. Pharm, MSc.

12 years
Amit Sharma
Amit Sharma

B. Pharm

3 years
Rohini Mankar
Rohini Mankar

Bsc. Zoology, Masters of Public Health

11 years
Dr. Divya Mandial
Dr. Divya Mandial

PhD in Chemistry

8 years
Dr. Sonia Gupta
Dr. Sonia Gupta

BDS

6 years
Saloni Bhardwaj Sharma
Saloni Bhardwaj Sharma

B.Pharm, M.Pharm

4 years
Dr. Chhavi Rosha
Dr. Chhavi Rosha

BMS, FMC, MD Resident

8 years
Dr. Lakshmi Vaswani
Dr. Lakshmi Vaswani

MBBS, Dip.Pathology, MBA (Healthcare Services)

16 years

Follow us on

Disclaimer

Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.

Recent Articles

Subscribe

Claim your complimentary health and fitness tips subscription and stay updated on our newest promotions.

Download Truemeds

Manage your health with ease Download Truemeds today!Get easy access to medicine refills, health information, and more. With our app, you'll never have to wait in line again. Download now and start taking control of your health.

playstoreIcon

Contact Us

Our customer representative team is available 7 days a week from 9 am - 9 pm.


v3.4.7

copyright2024 - Truemeds | All rights reserved

Our Payment Partners

paymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartner
paymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartnerpaymentPartner