Digesting food properly is crucial for overall well-being, and yoga can be a natural way to support digestion. But not all yoga poses are suitable after eating! If you’ve ever wondered which yoga should be done after a meal, you’re in the right place. In this blog, CRAVEBYFW brings you a list of gentle and effective yoga poses to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and help you feel light and refreshed.
Is It Safe to Do Yoga After Eating?
The answer is yes—but with caution. Heavy physical activity or intense yoga right after a meal can cause discomfort, but gentle poses designed to support digestion can be beneficial. These poses help:
✔ Stimulate digestion by improving blood flow to the stomach
✔ Reduce bloating and gas by aiding movement in the digestive tract
✔ Relax the nervous system, promoting a sense of calm after a meal
If you're looking for more in-depth guidance, check out this article on Yoga for Digestion from Yoga Journal, a trusted source for yoga tips and practices.
Best Yoga Poses to Do After Eating
1. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose) – The Best Pose for Digestion
This is one of the few yoga poses that can be done immediately after eating. It helps:
✔ Improve digestion and relieve bloating
✔ Prevent acid reflux and indigestion
✔ Promote better circulation in the abdominal region
🔹 How to do it:
- Sit on your heels with your knees together.
- Keep your back straight and place your hands on your thighs.
- Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and stay in this pose for 5-10 minutes.
For a visual demonstration, check out this step-by-step guide from Verywell Fit.
Tip: If you feel discomfort in your knees, place a cushion under your legs for support.
2. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Butterfly Pose) – Relax and Relieve Bloating
This pose opens up the abdomen and helps in relieving gas and bloating.
🔹 How to do it:
- Lie on your back and bring the soles of your feet together.
- Let your knees drop to the sides.
- Place your hands on your belly and take deep breaths for 5 minutes.
Want to learn more about how this pose can benefit digestion? Read this article from Ekhart Yoga.
3. Apanasana (Knees-to-Chest Pose) – Say Goodbye to Gas
This is a simple yet effective pose for eliminating bloating, gas, and discomfort.
🔹 How to do it:
- Lie on your back and bring your knees toward your chest.
- Wrap your arms around your legs and gently rock side to side.
- Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking slow breaths.
According to Healthline, this pose is particularly effective for reducing gas and promoting a healthy gut.
Yoga Poses to Avoid After Eating
❌ Deep twists (e.g., Seated Spinal Twist) – Can put pressure on the stomach
❌ Inversions (e.g., Headstand, Shoulder Stand) – May cause acid reflux
❌ Intense core work (e.g., Boat Pose) – Can lead to discomfort
If you're unsure which yoga practices are safe for digestion, explore this article from DoYouYoga for more insights.
Best Practices for Post-Meal Yoga
🔹 Start with gentle poses and avoid deep bends or vigorous movements.
🔹 Focus on deep breathing to activate the digestive system.
🔹 Listen to your body—if a pose feels uncomfortable, stop.
For additional tips, check out this Harvard Medical School article on digestion and movement.
Final Thoughts
Yoga can be a great way to aid digestion and relax your body after eating, but choosing the right poses is key. Vajrasana, Supta Baddha Konasana, and Apanasana are some of the best poses to do after a meal, helping you feel lighter and more comfortable. Just remember to avoid intense movements and listen to your body’s signals.
At CRAVEBYFW, we believe that wellness is about balance. So next time you finish a meal, instead of lying down on the couch, try one of these gentle yoga poses—you’ll feel the difference!
