Cautions: Yoga Practices to Support Digestion

When there is any kind of inflammatory disease resulting in diarrhea… we must be extremely cautious about straining the stomach through abdominal work. Thus, simple postures are most useful, such as simple forward bends with the knees bent, gently massaging the stomach, or simple twists like Reclined Twist. We should avoid any strong stretching of the belly (as in deep backbends) and always exhale gently, without pulling in the belly– Gary Kraftsow

Thus, according to expert Gary Kraftsow:

• Practice simple postures that avoid straining the stomach.
• Avoid strong backbends.
• Exhale gently without pulling the belly in (as is done in more typical yogic breathing).