If you’re wondering whether yoga can help with constipation, the answer is YES!

Many people suffer from constipation when traveling, under stress, as a side effect of certain medications and more. It’s extremely common, and yoga can help.

Here are 3 steps you can take right now to ease your symptoms and get your digestive tract moving in the right direction.

1. Kapalabhati breathing. This is also often called “skull shining” breath or “breath of fire.” You take a deep inhale, exhale, exhale all the way and then begin pumping your belly to repeatedly exhale the breath (the inhale becomes passive). [Video below]

2. Twists. In yoga, twists stimulate the digestive system and intestines. A reclined twist, standing twist, or seated twist all work great in relieving constipation or other digestive issues.

3. Move around. When you’re feeling constipated, excerisizng is probably the last thing you want to do, but some heat-generating sun salutes will get your blood (and other things!) flowing.

For a yoga class that incorporates all three of these suggestions, try my Detoxifying Yoga flow class below!