Q: I have been having problems with my gut which is becoming bothersome because it causes aches and pains. It has come on relatively recently and I have no cause for concern otherwise. I am a healthy eater and an advanced yoga student.
T. Blakeland – Sunderland
A: Speak to your doctor for further advice. Performing yoga can definitely help deal with gut-related conditions. Since you are an advanced student, you could integrate the practice of nauli. This exercise is a method of cleansing. In the context of yoga, it refers to cleansing the stomach through a massage of the muscles in that region, using both massage and churning movements.
Contractions are used to thoroughly cleanse the abdominal region, strengthen it, and expel toxins. In this technique, the following specific stomach contractions are used:
- madhyama nauli (central contraction)
- daksina nauli (right contraction)
- vama nauli (left contraction)
- Rotational nauli
The ancient text ‘Hatha Yoga Pradapika’ describes the benefits of practising nauli. These include improvement in digestion and relief from depression. This is also a tonic for longevity.
If you are not familiar with nauli, I recommend learning under a trained yoga teacher who can guide you.
To perform this exercise:
- Stand up and tilt forward, resting your right hand on your upper right thigh and the left hand on your left thigh.
- Exhale and pull the muscles of your stomach inwards and then upwards. Your stomach should appear hollow.
- Keep pulling the muscles upwards before inhaling.
Several benefits result from regular performance of this exercise including improved appetite, better digestive system, toned stomach muscles, and you will feel healthier and more alive. It also helps to relieve ailments of the stomach and digestive system and works well to help ease the ailments related to constipation and gastrointestinal disorders.
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