INTERNATIONAL AYURVEDIC MEDICAL JOURNAL

International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, (ISSN: 2320 5091) (March, 2017) 5 (3)

EFFECT OF YOGASANA ON DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Sneha A. Tayade1, Vaishali D. Bhosale2

1PG Scholar, (Final Year) 2Reader, Dept. of Kriya Sharir, SSAM, Hadapsar, Pune, Maharshtra, India Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Digestive system is one of the important systems in body as it provides nourishment to all body cells from the external environment. Modern lifestyle has adverse effects on digestive system which re- sults in various digestive issues. Ayurveda focuses towards treatment as well as well being. From the different branches of Ayurveda is one of the contributing branch which helps to improve digestive system. Specifically different poses in Yogasana found to be more effective against various digestive issue and helps to improve digestive system.

Keywords: Digestive system, Yoga, Yogasana

INTRODUCTION

Yoga is one of the oldest sciences of In- by Yogasana peristaltic movements of intestine dian origin. Yoga is popular exercise trend; an is increased3. Moreover nutrients are absorbed alternative medical therapy; a profound spiritual and desired supply of nutrient is made available path; these are different colours of Yoga. Yoga is to respective parts of the body. Changing life psycho-somatic spiritual discipline for achieving style is one of the leading causes which have union and harmony between mind, body and adverse effect on digestive system. Dietary soul; and the ultimate union of individual with changes are responsible for most of digestive the universe. disorders. So Yoga can be best the therapy for Etymologically the word Yoga is derived these over heading problems of digestive sys- from the Sanskrit root “Yujira Yoga” meaning tem. to unite, to combine or to integrate1. Patanjali AIM - To study the effect of Yogasana on di- Ashtang Yoga consists of eight limbs – Yama, Niyama, , , Pratyakheya, Dha- gestive system 2 rana, Dhyana, and Samadhi . OBJECTIVES - From all these Ashtang Yoga; chiefly 1. To study effect of Yogasana on digestive Yogasana cause positive effect on digestive sys- system tem. Through various studies It is observed that Sneha A. Tayade & Vaishali D. Bhosale: Eeffect Of Yogasana On Digestive System

2. To study use of Yogasana to relive various the food and fluid through hollow organs. Al- digestive issue. though swallowing is voluntary action, once the food or fluid is swallowed, it becomes involun- MATERIAL AND METHODS – tary and proceeds under the control of the All classical texts available have been reviewed. nerves. Database available also studied. The central nervous system has no direct STUDY RATIONALE – effect on the digestive functions but the appetite Yogic practices affects physiology of and satiety centres lie in hypothalamus. The body. It also has great effects on digestive sys- emotional balance and behaviour of human be- tem. But effects of Yogic practices are not ex- ing are also controlled by hypothalamic centres. plained in detail. So attempt has been made to It has been found that even the muscular tone of study effect of Yoga on digestive system consid- the smooth muscles of visceral parts is affected ering modern reviews. due to individual’s emotional status, such as rage, abhorrence and annoyance. Thus the di- REVIEW OF LITERATURE: gestion is affected by one’s thinking style, tense  Digestive System:- and unsatisfied mind and negative approach. The chief goal of digestive system is to This causes indigestion, acidity, and gastric breakdown huge macromolecules (protein, fats, troubles. If the digestive function is disturbed, starch) which cannot be absorbed intact into health is also affected. Yoga can be useful way smaller molecules (amino acids, fatty acids, glu- to improve digestive disturbances as it gives cose) that can be absorbed easily. It provides mental peace, balance and a positive approach. nourishment to all body cells from the external environment. Intake, digestion, absorption and  Digestive Disorders: assimilation of food, water balance, elimination Common digestive disorders includes ab- of the residue and some waste products or poi- dominal pain, flatulence, gastritis, diarrhoea, sonous substances are functions of the sys- dysentery, anorexia, constipation etc. and other tem4.The digestive system is a series of hollow than these includes IBD (Inflammatory Bowel organs joined in a long , twisting tube from Disease), GERD (Gastroeosophageal Reflux mouth to anus. Inside the tube there is lining Disease), gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, called mucosa which helps for digestion by pro- Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis, haemorrhoids ducing digestive juices. etc. The large hollow organs of digestive  Yogasana: system contain muscles that enable their walls to Traditionally Asana means position of the move. The movements of organ walls can pro- body which contribute to the steadiness of the pel food and liquid and also can mix the con- body and mind and a sense of well-being. Asana tents within each organ. Typical movements of can also be defined as postural pattern, one has oesophagus, stomach and intestine is called to achieve this pattern slowly, maintain for some peristalsis. The muscles of organs produce a time steadily and release it again in slow and narrowing and then proels the narrowed portions smooth manner. As Asana is an attitude which is slowly down. These waves of narrowing push

IAMJ: MARCH, 2017 728 Sneha A. Tayade & Vaishali D. Bhosale: Eeffect Of Yogasana On Digestive System psycho-physiological in nature most of these the legs is decreased and redirected to the ab- patterns are based on the natural postures of domen region. This increased flow of blood in various animals, birds or even the symbol like the abdomen region is beneficial for the inner tree, lotus etc. A gradual training is given to organs and improves digestion. whole body and mind through particular neuro- muscular mechanism involved in different pos- 2) Pavanmuktasana (Wind reliving pose)- tural patterns5.Asana is that which contributes to It massages the abdomen and digestive or- stability and comfort. Stability here does not gans and it is therefore very effective in increas- mean the stability of only the posture but it indi- ing peristaltic movements, regulate functioning cates the stillness of body and mind as a whole6. of abdominal endocrine viscera. By this asana, pressure on the abdomen releases any trapped gases in the intestine and relieves constipation.10  Effect of Yogasana on digestive system- The health of the human body depends on digestive system is improved. This asana is used the healthy condition of internal glands and tis- as treatment of pain in abdomen, constipation, sues, through elimination of waste matter from- dyspepsia, flatulence, indigestion and intestinal the body and the elastic condition of the mus- colic. cles. Many give the internal organs a 3) (Cobra Pose)- unique massage, forcing them to perform better. It gives proper massage to the organs of ab- The alternate stretching and contractile move- dominal region such as stomach, pancreas, liver ments of the Asanas help muscle to retain their and gallbladder. It improves blood flow and tone. In the upside down posture; the sluggish- oxygenation to the digestive system and elimi- ness of the bowel and constipation are cured. nates waste more effectively. It is helpful in The stomach muscle fall into their proper posi- treating of many digestion related condition tion, helping to flatten and strengthen a protrud- such as constipation, indigestion, flatulence as 7 ing belly . The complete elimination of waste well as irritable colon etc.12 product from the body is promoted by Yogasana which not only massage and activate internal 4) (corpse pose)- muscles for peristaltic activity but also keep in- The ultimate posture for healing is Shava- ternal organ in their proper places in the ab- sana. When you are at rest, you will be into dominal cavity; preventing prolapse of stomach, your parasympathetic nervous system. This is intestine8. also known as your “Rest and Digest” response. As you lie still, you are allowing all stresses to  Asanas useful for digestive system:- melt away and your extremities are towards 1) Padmasana (Kamalasana)(crossed leg posi- your digestive organs. This will increases oxy- tion)- genation to the digestive organ. This also creates Padmasana is known to improve digestion, the ideal environment for digestion, cleansing since while doing this pose the organ in stomach and healing.13 and abdomen are stimulate to produce enough enzymes to digest all the food you have eaten 5) Paschimottasana (seated forward fold)- effectively. Through this asana blood supply to

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It massages the internal organs, especially head. The body above navel will get compara- the digestive organs, relieves digestive problems tively excess blood circulation. Therefore work- such as constipation. It is best for stimulation of ing capacity of various glandsconnected to di- your abdominal viscera like liver, kidneys and gestion process increases which aids digestive pancreas. It increases the peristalsis of bowels, power.21 the vermicular movements of bowel and intes- tines through which the faecal matter pushed 11) Suptvajrasana (Reclined Thunderbolt forward.14 This asana is useful for anorexia, di- pose)- arrhoea, intestinal colic etc.; but avoided in coli- It increases the blood pressure in the trunk, tis.15 especially in the abdominal area, strengthening and rejuvenating the liver the liver, kidney, ad- 6) (Triangle pose)- renal gland, spleen and pancreas. It improves It massages and tones all internal organs. It digestion helps in constipation and stomach acid relieves indigestion, acidity, flatulence and helps balance.22 to improve digestion. It improves appetite and improves the efficacy of digestive system.16,17 12) (Fish pose)- 7) Shalbhasana (locust pose)- Most of the abdominal and stomach prob- It massages and tones up muscle of abdomen lems are corrected as intestines and abdominal and improves digestion by increasing digestive muscles are stretched and tones. It is good for constipation and bleeding piles. It brings down fire. It has beneficial effect on the digestive sys- 23 tem curing the most stubborn constipation.18 the accumulated faecal matter to the rectum.

8) (bow pose)- 13) Janushirshasana (head to knee pose)- It improves digestion and appetite, cures It improves digestive system and helps to constipation, improves function of liver, pan- heal gastric aliments. By this pose the pressure from heel placed on the nerve which stimulate creas, small as well as large intestine, and it also 24 strengthens abdominal muscles.19 pancreas to help digestion.

9) (camel pose)- 14) Halasasana (Plow pose)- It expands the abdominal region, improving It improves the functions of abdominal or- digestion and elimination. It releases Apana gans, especially the pancreas is stimulated for Vayu; relives indigestion and constipation.20 the secretion of insulin. The breathing move- ment of diaphragm helps to massage the ab- 10) (diamond pose) (Thunderbolt dominal organs.25It cures pain in abdomen, in- pose)- digestion, hyperacidity and also useful in diar- It is most effective e after meal and aids in rhoea but it should be avoided in colitis.26 proper digestion. When we sit in Vajrasana, muscles of both thighs will share weight; there- 15) Ardhmatsyendrasana (Sitting half spinal fore circulation of blood in those portions will twist)- be reduced. This reduction results in greater It gives compression and strength to the proportion of blood reaching stomach, heart and abdominal region, thus facilities massage to ab-

IAMJ: MARCH, 2017 730 Sneha A. Tayade & Vaishali D. Bhosale: Eeffect Of Yogasana On Digestive System dominal organs; which improves digestion. It 21) (Peacock pose)- works mainly on liver and pancreas.27It is useful Mayurasana tones the entire digestive sys- in treating indigestion, constipation, anorexia, tem and revitalizes the internal organs including flatulence etc.28 stomach, liver, intestine, pancreas, kidneys and spleen. It makes digestive fire so strong that one 16) (Shoulder stand pose)- can digest any type of food, reducing the pro- Holding yourself in an inverted position re- duction of toxins in the intestines due to undi- verses the effect of gravity on the digestive or- gested food. It also alleviates constipation.35 It is gans, helping stimulate the movements of stuck also useful in pain in abdomen, anorexia, dysen- wastes, relieving gas and inducing overall re- tery, flatulence, indigestion etc.36 storative effect on your digestion. It is best to practice this pose before you eat or a few hours 22) (Chair pose)- after to avoid acid regiva.29 It is helpful in treat- Utkatasana helps with the gastric, problems ing indigestion, hyperacidity and colitis etc.30 and digestion difficulties. It stimulates and acti- vates digestion.37 17) (Head stand pose)- increases digestive fire boosting 23) Padahastasana:- (Hand under foot pose) energy and increasing body heat. Internal or- It is forward bend Yogasana. It is considered gans, particularly the intestines are cleansed by as best Yoga poses for beginners as it requires reversing the pull of gravity and releasing con- considerable flexibility in the back, abdomen gested blood in the colon.31 and legs. It improves digestive disorder as it 18) Bhadrasana (Gracious pose) (Butterfly gives stretch on abdominal viscera and increases pose)- blood flow. It also helps to tone abdominal or- By this asana abdominal organs receive gan. good blood circulation and hence it helps to ad- dress problems in this area. In this posture inter- 24) :- (Frog pose) nal organ like stomach, liver, pancreas, large This Yogasana resembles as frog hence and small intestine are get massaged help in re- named as Mandukasana. It improves function- moving toxins from the digestive system.32 ing of digestive and excretory systems which stretches and massages abdominal organs. It is 19) (Crocodile pose)- also in important metabolic disorder such as By this asana digestive organs especially diabetes mellitus. large intestine get massaged. It is most benefi- cial in constipation, stomach pain and in dysen- DISCUSSION tery etc.33 Yoga is a developing alternative medical therapy in modern lifestyle. Yoga is helpful in 20) Shashaksan (The Moon Yoga pose)- management of psychic and physical disorders. This asana exercise lower part of abdomen Digestive disorders are the most irritable and and blood flow to this part increased; which im- leads disturbed lifestyle. Changing lifestyle, die- proves digestion. It plays important role in treat- tary changes, mental stress are one of the lead- ing disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.34 ing causes which have adverse effect on diges-

IAMJ: MARCH, 2017 731 Sneha A. Tayade & Vaishali D. Bhosale: Eeffect Of Yogasana On Digestive System tive system. So, Yoga can be the therapy for 6. Goswami Mahaprabhulal, Patanjali Yog Su- these over heading problems of digestive sys- tra, Chaukambha Sanskrit Sansthan, 1983, tem. Chief goal of digestive system is to break- Page No. 16. down huge macromolecules into smaller mole- 7. Dalal Nargis, Yoga for rejuvenation, Orient cules. It provides nourishment to body and per- Longman limited, Page No.15. forms different body functions. Yogasana is the 8. Dalal Nargis, Yoga for rejuvenation, Orient position of the body which contribute to steadi- Longman limited, Page No.16. ness of body and mind. Position and move- 9. Dalal Nargis, Yoga for rejuvenation, Orient ments carried in Yogasana help digestive system Longman limited, Page No.59. to improve power and working capacity. Differ- 10. Aacharya Jain Rajkumar, Yog Aur Ayurved ent Yogasanas which are described works on ,Chaukambha Orientalia, 1997, page no. digestive system with effectiveness of their po- 245. sitions. 11. Vd. Subhash Ranade, Ayurved and Yoga Therapy, Anmol Prakashan, Jan-1995, page. CONCLUSION No. 3,38. Yogasana helps to improve mental status 12. Dalal Nargis, Yoga for rejuvenation, Orient of individual and postures in Yogasana directly Longman limited, Page No.73, 107. helps digestion process which helps to improve 13. Dalal Nargis, Yoga for rejuvenation, Orient digestive system and so indirectly get rid from Longman limited, Page No.103, 111. digestive disorders. Yogasana works with the 14. Dalal Nargis, Yoga for rejuvenation, Orient effectiveness of their positions. So, different Longman limited, Page No.75, 135. kinds of Yogasanas have different effects on 15. Vd. Subhash Ranade, Ayurved and Yoga digestive system. Therapy, Anmol Prakashan, Jan-1995, page. REFERENCES No. 12, 36, 49, 53, 66. 1. Dr. Rao Mangalgowri V., A textbook of 16. Aacharya Jain Rajkumar, Yog Aur Ayurved Swasthwritta ,Chaukambha Orientalia, Va- ,Chaukambha Orientalia, 1997, page no. ranasi, 2012, page no. 375. 256. 2. David Frawley and Sandra summer field 17. Vd. Subhash Ranade, Ayurved and yoga Kozak, Yoga for your type, new age books, Therapy ,Anmol Prakashan, Jan-1995, page. New Delhi, 2006, Page no. 15 to 20. No.38. 3. Dr. Yadav Amarjeet, Dr. Tater Sohan Raj, 18. Dalal Nargis, Yoga for rejuvenation Orient Medical Application of Yoga, page no. 72. Longman limited, Page No.93, 102. 4. Gore M. M., Anatomy and Physiology of 19. Dalal Nargis, Yoga for rejuvenation, Orient Yogic practices, Kanchan Prakashan, 1991, Longman limited, Page No.94. Page no.7,8. 20. Dalal Nargis, Yoga for rejuvenation, Orient 5. Gore M. M., Anatomy and physiology of Longman limited, Page No.97 Yogic practices, Kanchan Prakashan, 1991, 21. Dalal Nargis, Yoga for rejuvenation, Orient Page no.73. Longman limited, Page No.44 to 49. 22. Aacharya Jain Rajkumar, Yog Aur Ayurved Chaukambha Orientalia, 1997, page no. 249.

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