Akarna Dhanurasana (Archer Pose)
The Sanskrit name is derived from Akarna (अकर्णा ) meaning towards the ear, Dhanura (धनुर) meaning…
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Yoga poses for stomach inflammation are gentle postures that ease stress and belly tension. They do not heal the stomach lining or replace treatment. This page lists safe poses by level and explains when to see a GP.
Understanding the Category
What Are Stomach Inflammation?
Stomach inflammation, or gastritis, irritates the stomach lining. Common causes include H. pylori infection, painkillers, alcohol and stress. Yoga cannot heal the lining. Gentle poses may ease stress and belly tension.These poses fall into three groups:Calm: Savasana and Sukhasana slow the breath and the mind.Soft: Marjariasana and Balasana move the belly without pressure.Open: Bhadrasana and Anjaneyasana ease the hips and trunk.Keep the belly soft. Skip twists, compression and strong effort.
Why Practice
Benefits of Stomach Inflammation
Stress Relief
Slow poses calm the body and mind. Stress can worsen stomach upset.
Belly Ease
Soft poses release belly tension. A relaxed belly feels lighter.
Calm Breathing
Slow breaths settle the nervous system. Easy breathing lowers tension.
Body Awareness
Mindful moves show what feels safe. Notice what eases or irritates.
Hip Release
Seated poses loosen tight hips. Free hips relax the trunk.
Better Sleep
An evening routine helps you unwind. Good rest supports recovery.
Suitability
Who Should Practice?
- Adults with mild stomach upset and stress
- People whose doctor has cleared gentle exercise
- Those who want a calm daily routine
- Beginners who want simple, low risk poses
- Anyone easing back after a stomach bug
Contraindications
Who Should Avoid Stomach Inflammation?
- Vomiting blood or black, sticky stools: call 999
- Sudden, severe stomach or chest pain: call 999
- Pain or indigestion for over a week: see a GP
- Weight loss, painful swallowing or constant vomiting
- Recent stomach surgery without clearance
- Deep twists, inversions and belly compression
- Forceful breathing such as Kapalabhati
- Practice right after eating
By Level
Beginner Stomach Inflammation
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose) Builds steady posture and body awareness
- Sukhasana (Easy Pose) A simple seat for slow, easy breathing
- Balasana (Child's Pose) A calm fold with the knees apart
- Savasana (Corpse Pose) Rests the body and slows the breath
By Level
Intermediate Stomach Inflammation
- Marjariasana (Cat Pose) Moves the spine gently with the breath
- Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose) A kneeling seat that supports calm breathing
- Bhadrasana (Butterfly Pose) Opens the hips with a soft belly
- Anantasana (Sleeping Vishnu Pose) A side-lying pose that lengthens the side
By Level
Advanced Stomach Inflammation
- Anjaneyasana (Crescent Moon Pose) Opens the hips and front of the trunk
- Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose) Builds leg strength and steady breathing
- Setubandhasana (Bridge Pose) A gentle lift that opens the chest
- Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Big Toe Pose) Releases the hips and legs while lying down
Anatomy
Muscles Worked
🔥
Core
Transversus abdominis, obliques
🧍
Back
Erector spinae, multifidus
🌀
Hips
Gluteus maximus, hip flexors
🦵
Legs
Quadriceps, hamstrings, calves
🫁
Chest
Pectoralis major, intercostals
🌬️
Breathing Muscles
Diaphragm, intercostals
Practice Tips
Tips for Safe Practice
- ✓Practice on an empty stomach.
- ✓Keep the belly soft and the breath easy.
- ✓Hold each pose for 15 to 30 seconds.
- ✓Skip deep twists and belly compression.
- ✓Avoid eating 3 to 4 hours before bed.
- ✓Limit alcohol, caffeine, spicy and fatty food.
- ✓Stop if you feel pain or nausea.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stomach inflammation?
It is irritation of the stomach lining, also called gastritis. Causes include H. pylori infection, painkillers, alcohol and stress. A GP can find the cause and suggest treatment.
Can yoga cure gastritis?
No. Yoga cannot heal the stomach lining or replace treatment. Gentle poses may ease stress and belly tension. Use them alongside medical care.
Which poses are safest?
Savasana, Sukhasana, Balasana and Marjariasana keep the belly soft. Move slowly and stop if you feel nausea or pain.
Which poses should I avoid?
Avoid deep twists, inversions, strong belly compression and forceful breathing such as Kapalabhati. They may irritate the stomach. Skip practice right after eating.
Can food and habits help?
Cutting back on alcohol, caffeine and spicy, fatty or fizzy food may help. Avoid eating 3 to 4 hours before bed. Ask your doctor before changing painkillers.
When should I see a GP?
See a GP if stomach pain or indigestion lasts over a week. Get urgent help for weight loss, painful swallowing or constant vomiting. Call 999 for vomiting blood or black stools.