Digestive imbalance is almost at epidemic levels these days. Constipation, IBS, acid reflux, GERD, etc. plague a whopping 70 million people every day. The omnipresence of processed food, GMO’s, and increased use of medication of all kinds is largely at fault for the loss of our ability to properly digest our meals and nourish our bodies.
However, what is often over-looked as a contributing factor to digestive imbalance is the overwhelming lack of body movement in our society. Recent studies suggest that the average American spends 75% of their waking hours in sedentary behavior, like sitting.
Sitting is being called “the new smoking”. Prolonged sitting has been scientifically linked to increased risk for cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes (among other things.)
According to Holistic Yoga Therapy teacher, Brian Dorfman, a lack of tonality in the abdominal muscles relates directly to a lack of tonality in the abdominal organs. This means if you don’t move all day not only does your belly go flabby but the muscle tone of your organs - stomach, intestines and colon - weaken as well causing digestive distress.
Because Yoga practice challenges the core muscles in all directions with forward bends, back bends, lateral bends, and twists it uniquely tones all the abdominal muscles and also the organs. The organs are made of smooth muscle and they need toning too!
If you’re teaching group classes make sure to include movement in all directions for a balanced sequence, and if you’re working one on one with clients facing digestive issues consider the strength and flexibility of their abdomen as part of your yogic prescription for health.