Constipation has become a common problem. So common that many of us tend to ignore it. But did you know that regular constipation can lead to pelvic diseases and stomach disorders? This makes tending to the problem extremely important. To do, let us understand its causes and symptoms.

Constipation: Symptoms and causes

Constipation not just means no or little bowel movement. It, rather, makes its presence felt through a range of symptoms including:

1. Infrequent or few bowel movements
2. Straining while having a bowel movement
3. Passage of hard or small stool
4. Stomach ache and cramps, abdominal pain
5. Bloated stomach
6. Headaches

The root cause of this pool of symptoms is unhealthy lifestyle, attributes of which include:

• Inappropriate work hours
• Less time for rest
• Intake of too much junk food
• A diet low on fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables
• Less intake of water

Yoga – the saviour for the constipated

These are various natural ways to cure constipation.  But, as it is rightly said, prevention is

Simple tips to fight constipation

1. Eat plenty of fiber rich foods like fresh leafy vegetables and fruits.
2. Drink plenty of water. Intake of warm  liquids in the morning can be very helpful.
3. Establish a routine for daily bowel movements.

always better than cure. The best way to prevent constipation from recurring in your life is through praciticing yoga poses for constipation regularly.

A few minutes of daily yoga practice can help prevent infrequent bowel movement,  straining and bloating.

Yoga helps revitalize our body and increase the flow of blood and oxygen in the system. Since most of the yoga postures involve pelvic movement, yoga practice can really help in relieving constipation woes.

Yoga for constipation

Here are some Yoga exercises for Constipation relief which, if practiced regularly, can set infrequent bowel movements to normal.

1. Mayurasana (Peacock Pose)
2. Ardha-Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist Pose)
3. Halasana (Plough Pose)
4. Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)
5. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)

1. Mayurasana (Peacock Pose)

• Improve digestion
• Destroy effects of unwholesome food.
• Increase intra-abdominal pressure
• Reduce spleen and liver enlargements

2. Ardha-Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist Pose)

• Stimulate the pancreas, liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, and ascending and descending colons

3. Halasana (Plough Pose)

Learn more about Halasana

• This posture provides comfort to the liver and intestine
• Increases blood circulation in the pelvic area and boosts digestion

4. Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)

How to do Pawanmuktasana.

• Releases gas
• Relieves acid reflux
• Cures disorders like dyspepsia

5. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)

• Relieves gas, bloating, cramping
• Reduces stress

So stop worrying and start practicing ! A few minutes of yoga can improve your digestive system! Don’t forget to improve your diet habits as well. Fiber-rich food, fruits and vegetables, and sufficient intake of water will all help keep constipation at bay.
Benefits of Baddha konasana.