Yoga is very beneficial for health. This ancient exercise is practiced not only in India but also all over the world. To celebrate this, International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on 21st June. On this day people do various yoga asanas for physical, mental and spiritual peace. Although these are recommended to be done in the morning, do you know that there are some asanas that are beneficial to do at night as well, especially after dinner? These promote digestion, keeping you fit and healthy. Before knowing about these asanas, let us know what is the theme of International Yoga Day this year.
Theme of International Yoga Day 2024:
Every year a special theme is chosen to celebrate International Yoga Day. The theme of this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for Self and Society”, which highlights the role of yoga in promoting individual health and social harmony.
Also read: Yoga for beginners: 10 basic postures to help you get started
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Here are 5 yoga asanas that can help promote digestion after dinner:
Yoga can change our health in many ways. Here we have listed some yoga asanas that you can do after dinner to improve your digestion. Do not forget to wait for at least 30 minutes before doing these asanas.
1. Vajrasana
Vajrasana is one of the most beneficial yoga asanas to do after dinner. Also known as the Diamond Pose, it involves sitting on your knees and placing the calves under the thighs. While doing it, you should keep your spine straight and breathe deeply. This will stretch your upper body, which will improve digestion.
2. Gomukhasana
Another yoga pose you can try is Gomukhasana (cow face pose). This yoga pose helps to stretch your entire body, including your back, thighs, arms, and shoulders. To do it, cross your legs, bringing your left knee inside your right knee. Now, move both your hands behind you in such a way that your right hand holds your left hand. Breathe deeply for a minute, then switch sides.
3. Vertical Padasana
Urdhva Prasarita Padasana can do wonders for your digestive system. It involves inverting your body in an upward direction, which helps improve blood flow. When this happens, it naturally helps relieve symptoms like bloating and gas. Wondering how to do it? Just lie down in front of a wall and stretch your legs against it. Relax your arms at your sides and stay in this position for 5 minutes.
4. Corpse pose
After eating dinner, it is important to completely relax your body. Doing shavasana is a great way to achieve this. This is a very relaxing yoga pose in which you lie down on your back and close your eyes. Then, simply focus on your breathing and relax your mind. A calm body and mind promote better digestion, making this a great pose to do after dinner.
5. Ardha Chandrasana
Ardha Chandrasana is a little more challenging than the yoga asanas mentioned above, but it is worth a try. Also known as the Half Moon Pose, it challenges your balance. How to do it? Stand straight on your yoga mat, raise your right hand, bend sideways to your left, and touch the ground with your left hand. Change positions and repeat for 4-5 minutes.
Also read: Are you a diabetic patient? Yoga can be used as an effective therapy
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What should you eat before a yoga session?
To get the most out of your yoga session, you need to be careful about what you eat before it. If you are planning to do a yoga session in the morning, consider eating high-protein foods. Yogurt, eggs, oatmeal, and protein shakes are great options. Those who want to do yoga in the evening can have light snacks like salad or nuts/seeds. They will help energize you and ensure that your yoga session goes well.
What should you eat after a yoga session?
What you eat after a yoga session is just as important as what you eat before it. Since your energy is low, you should eat super nutritious food to restore your energy levels. Choose food that has fiber, carbohydrates and protein in equal amounts. You can have a healthy sandwich, yogurt with nuts or even a bowl of salad.
International Yoga Day is an effective initiative to encourage people to practice yoga and make it a part of their lifestyle. By following these steps, you can make yourself better and healthier.
Happy International Yoga Day 2024!
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