Some yoga poses, such as the child’s pose, may help release gas or relieve cramps and bloating caused by a gas buildup. Dietary changes may help prevent gas from building up.
Passing gas, often referred to as farting, is a natural process and often occurs without help, but sometimes a buildup of gas in the body can cause pain and bloating.
Certain foods or eating too quickly can cause gas, but tightness in the abdominal muscles may also be partially to blame. In these cases, it may help to use yoga poses or other techniques to help the body fart.
Certain yoga poses and other exercises, such as a short walk, may help relax muscles in the hips, lower back, and around the abdomen. Doing so may assist in digestive transit and the passing of gas.
Below are some poses people can try to relieve gas:
Child’s pose
Child’s pose is a basic yoga pose that relaxes the hips and lower back, which may help move gas through the bowels.
To get into the child’s pose:
- Kneel on the floor and place both palms down directly below the shoulders.
- From there, lean backward, pushing the hips and lower glutes onto the back of the feet.
- While leaning back, stretch the arms out in front of the body, keeping the palms on the floor.
Let the forehead rest on the floor while the torso rests on the legs. This will create a gentle pressure on the abdomen. Take deep breaths and relax until the gas passes.
Knee-to-chest pose
This pose helps stretch the lower back and hips.
To perform the knee-to-chest pose:
- Start by lying on the back and bring the legs up, bending the knees to form 90-degree angles.
- Grab the front of each knee or upper thigh and pull the thighs close to the chest.
- While doing this, tuck the chin into the chest.
Happy baby pose
The happy baby pose may help relieve pressure in the lower back and groin, releasing lingering gas from the bowels. To perform it:
- Lie on the back and lift the knees up to the sides of the body.
- Keeping the knees bent, point the soles of the feet toward the ceiling.
- If possible, grab the feet with the hands, allowing the back to relax on the floor.
- Pull the feet down slightly with the hands to create tension.
- For a further stretch, pull the feet apart and to the side.
Some people may find additional relief by rocking gently from side to side during this pose.
Seated forward bend
This pose stretches out the back and hip muscles while creating gentle pressure on the abdomen, which may help people pass gas. To perform it:
- Sit upright on the floor with the legs straight in front of the body.
- Bend forward from the hips and place the chest on the knees without bending them.
- Reach the hands out to touch the toes or as far as they can reach.
Squats
Squats can help people build muscles and may also help pass gas. Whether this is a simple standing squat or a deeper flat-footed squat, squatting or holding the squat position can have multiple benefits.
To perform a squat:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and legs straight.
- Bend at the knees, driving them forward.
- At the same time, hinge at the hips, trying to keep them level.
- Lower glutes down and backward, as if sitting on a chair.
- Reach a comfortable position and return to the start.
Lying twists
Lying twists are a great exercise for rotationally stretching lower back muscles.
To perform a lying twist:
- Lie with a flat back with the arms out to the side.
- Bend the knees to a 90-degree angle and place both feet together, flat on the floor.
- Keep the back flat and rotate at the hips, lowering the knees to one side.
- Keep lowering the knees until it causes a gentle stretch across the lower back.
- Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service suggests the following home remedies may help a person pass gas and relieve bloating:
- gentle, regular exercise
- drink plenty of water
- eat high fiber foods
- massage the abdomen from right to left
People
Passing gas is how the body releases swallowed air and other trapped gases. The positions above may help temporarily relieve gas, but prevention strategies may help in the long run.
For example, cutting down on foods that cause gas
- legumes, including beans
- cruciferous vegetables, such as:
- apples
- pears
- peaches
- carbonated drinks, particularly if they contain high-fructose corn syrup
Dairy foods, including cheese and ice cream, may also cause gas, especially for people who are sensitive to lactose.
Another important tip is to chew all food slowly and with a closed mouth. Gas can occur if someone swallows air, which is more likely to happen if a person eats quickly or with their mouth open.
Various yoga poses, such as the child’s pose, can help release trapped gas. Massaging the stomach may also help relieve gas. A pharmacist may recommend OTC medications to help reduce gas.
Lying twists may help a person to pass gas. This involves lying on the back, bending the knees, and rotating the hips from one side to the other.
People may feel bloated if they have a lot of gas in their digestive tract. This can happen due to swallowing too much air or consuming certain foods and drinks. Home remedies, such as practicing yoga poses and massaging the stomach, can help relieve gas.
In rare cases, bloating that does not go away may be a sign of an underlying condition such as ovarian cancer. It is best to contact a doctor if someone experiences bloating and cannot pass gas.
Passing gas is a natural bodily process necessary for reducing tension in the digestive tract. However, on occasion, some people may find it difficult to do so.
In these instances, certain yoga positions and other home remedies may promote gas passing and relieve abdominal pressure. Gas buildup is often the result of dietary habits, so making small everyday changes may help reduce this accumulation in the first instance.