by Sudeep Chitnis

Created on: November 21, 2009   Last Updated: November 23, 2009

IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome is a known entity of the gastro-intestinal tract. Typically triggered due to many causes, such as irregular eating habits, irregular bowel moments, stress, long distance travel [includes driving and flying]. One suffers typically with chronic pain, discomfort, bloating and alternation of bowel moments. Either constipation or diarrhea governs the sufferer.

The union of the physical body and mental body into one, with the help of different positions, breathing techniques is what could be called as Yoga. The major goal behind yoga remains either in keeping oneself healthy or treating conditions. Asanas or different sitting, standing and bending exercise focus on stimulating different muscles, ligaments, and different organs in the body. An overall effect thus could be seen.

In a recent study conducted on IBS suffering clients comparing the benefit of yogic exercise routine to certain prescribe drugs, researchers noted that those practicing yogic positions proved more beneficial as compared to those taking prescription medication. Similar studies were found on the popular site named Pub Med with regards to Yoga and IBS.

Why is Yoga helpful for IBS?

1] First of all everyone currently is well aware of the brain and gut connection. We know our brains intervene with our digestion in many ways. We rarely feel hungry when we hear about some bad news in the family. It is one way of brain- gut connection.

2] Yoga is well known for its results in curing stress induced symptoms. And know now that in many IBS clients stress or psychological changes do induce IBS symptoms for different clients.

Here are a few positions that can benefit those who suffer from IBS:

1] Deep Breathing or Pranayama: This is a simple exercise to breathe in and out of the lungs consciously. Results are shown in different research papers showing the use Pranayama in reducing stress.

2] Vajrasana: A basic sitting position, though this looks very simple can be very hard to do. This position has been known to stimulate Manipur chakra or abdominal solar plexus. Thus results could also be seen in IBS.

3] Pawan muktasana / Pashimottasana: Both this exercises work on stimulating the solar plexus, which in a way increases appetite. And the added result of increased digestive power is also seen with this combined exercise.

4] OM Meditation: Any meditation has been known to reduce all the stress related symptoms and thus would sure work on IBS conditions. OM meditation, sound meditation and many more types of meditation work in reducing different IBS related symptoms .

Some other asanas that have been found helpful in IBS are:

Shankasana

Ustrasana

Marjarasana

Padhastasnana

Trikonasana

Reference :

1] Pub Med : Study of Yoga and IBS

2] Comparative study of benefits of Yoga as compared to Prescription medication in IBS.

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