The troubles that disturb the digestive system are termed as abdominal disorders. The commonly found abdominal disorders include constipation, dysentery, indigestion, acidity, wind formation, diarrhoea, stomach ache and various types of gastrointestinal disorders. Although abundance of medication options are available, practice of Yoga offers a natural cure and controls the ailments. The compression of the diaphragm and the abdominal walls, which results after Yoga, massages the abdominal contents that are useful in gastric conditions.

Yoga has proved its worth in curing indigestion, constipation, acidity, excess wind or gas, lack of appetite, diameter, disorders of the male of real reproductive systems and varicose veins. It also eliminates energy blockage in the abdominal areas. Abdominal muscles assist in breathing and align the pelvis. Yoga can help one to develop the perfect balance of abdominal strength, suppleness, relaxation, and awareness. Although causes of abdominal disorders vary from person to person, the common cause is mostly psychological which results in nervous problems, tensions and various types of stress and strain. Improper eating habits, eating spicy and stale food, not chewing the food properly are also the causes for abdominal disorders.

The best possible ways to cure abdominal disorders through Yoga is the regular practice of asanas and Pranayama. Pranayama with `Rechaka` and `Puraka` are recommended. Yoga works best for abdominal problems like Diabetes, Acidity, Indigestion and Constipation. Diabetes means that the body does not produce or use insulin properly. The practice of the yogic postures can rejuvenate the insulin producing cells in the pancreas of diabetics of both types, and that doing the postures in a relaxed manner, without exertion, yogic meditation and breathing help most patients to control the causes of diabetes. The person must practice the Yoga asanas that include movements slowly and smoothly, stretching the limbs and joints, and gently compressing the abdomen, without straining. One should focus on the breath during the maintenance period of the Yoga Asanas, with the eyes closed or focused on one point, as a means of learning to focus the mind and to manage stress and tension in the body. Savasana is one of the best postures for diabetes that systematically relaxes all of the parts of the body.

Acidity is a serious problem in almost every individual`s life. The body gastric juices help in digestion of food these are strong acidic juices. Too much secretion of gastric juice is hazardous. If this gastric juice of acid is produced in extra proportions, it harms internal wall of the stomach to a great extent. Thus results in ulcers found in the walls of the stomach. Thus, hyperacidity and formation of ulcers are corresponding to each other. The first symptoms of acidity are a burning sensation in the stomach, vomiting sensation, nausea, feeling giddy and immense abdominal pain. Causes of acidity can range from consumption of improper, spicy food up-to the fact of keeping the stomach empty for long hours. The particular Yoga asanas suggested for acidity are Virasana, Adho Mukha Virasana, Supta badhha konasana, Janu Shirsasana, Pachimottanasana and Makarasana. All these yoga postures improve digestion, tones the body muscles and reduces strain and stress.

Constipation or irregularity in bowels is one of the common ailments amongst most people. This ailment occurs due to lack of physical work, increased mental stress, improper lifestyle coupled with faulty eating habits like a lot of intake of the oily and spicy heavy food, intake of tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol and other intoxicants. Performing kunjala empty stomach and four naval correcting postures, the practice of Udara shakti vikasaka exercises of Sukshma Vyayama alongwith the practice of Tadasana, Urdhva-Hastottanasana, Katichakrasana, Bhujangasana. tapavanmuktasana. Vajrasana, Mandukasana. Utkatasana, Mayurasana and Ardha-Matsyendrasana are considered advantageous for constipation.

There are many more abdominal problems like cholera, gall bladder stones, peptic ulcer, diarrhoea, gastritis, intestinal worms, dysentery, gastro enteritis, dyspepsia and ulcers of the stomach or grahani. The common yoga asanas that can be followed in such cases are Dhanurasana, Paschimottanasana, Padangusthasana, Bhujangasana, Sarvangasana, Ardha-matsyendrasana, Halasana, Yoga mudrasana, Supta Vajrasana, Chakrasana and Shalabhasana. Proper practice of Yoga asanas has cured many abdominal diseases. These asanas stretches the shoulders, spine and hamstring muscles; stimulates the kidneys, liver and uterus. Resulting in better digestion, these asanas increases the appetite. Beside the above mentioned asana and pranayama, the practice of yoga nidra, concentration and meditation gives the best result. Sitting in Vajrasana from five, ten to fifteen minutes after meals, strengthens the digestive power so that flatulence and constipation do not occur. On the other hand, Paranayama is helpful for a proper functioning of digestive system. Pranayama actually relaxes the organs in the belly. Adequate supply of blood reaches the organs. Shitali pranayama, Shitkari pranayama are capable of reducing the burning sensation caused by strong acid liberated in the stomach. Strong acid gets washed out in Kunjal kriya and ulcers can be greatly prevented.

One should never stop practicing Yoga asanas abruptly, even if the ailment is cured, the practice should be done to reduce the chances of re-occurrence. Moreover, these asanas are highly beneficial in cases of high blood pressure, sinusitis and asthma. It relieves symptoms of dysmenorrheal and menopause; soothes anxiety headache and helps reduce fatigue. Relieving stress and tension by calming the brain, these asanas not only cater to the abdominal pains, but also helps the individual to retain a sound mind.

DISCLAIMER - The Yoga asanas prescribed above should be strictly performed under the supervision of an experienced Yoga teacher.