A pose often practiced at the end of a yoga routine, Wind Release Pose or Pavanmuktasana is a very effective pose if you’re feeling a bit gassy from devouring that burrito for lunch.
Wind Release Pose (Pavanmuktasana)
A go-to pose to take when you need a little help to pass gas, wind release pose stimulates digestion and alleviates any pain or discomfort from being a bit too bloated.
‘Pavana,’ when translated to English, means wind, ‘Mukta’ means release or relieve, and ‘Asana’ means posture or pose. Wind release pose is a beginner level pose and can be practiced by most individuals who are new to yoga.
Wind Release Pose Directions:
The following steps will guide you through the wind release pose:
- Start by lying on your back on your mat with your arms and legs extended straight out.
- As you inhale, bend your left knee, wrap your hands around the knee and bring the knee close to your chest.
- Now, while exhaling, lift your head up and, if possible, bring your head to touch your knee.
- Hold this position for a few minutes and take a few deep breaths in and out. Exhale to release and bring your leg back to the ground.
- Repeat this pose using the right knee and hold the position for the same amount of time as you did with the left knee.
- If you are comfortable with this pose, you can practice this technique by wrapping your hands around both your legs at once.
- As you grab your knees, you have the option to gently roll from side-to-side to massage your back.
Note: Holding this pose for longer periods of time loosens the muscles around the abdominal region faster and will stimulate digestion more quickly.
Benefits of Wind Release Pose:
The wind release pose comes with numerous benefits to the body, especially when it comes to releasing excess gas.
Added benefits of practicing the wind release pose include:
- Stimulates digestion
- Strengthens the back and abdominal muscles
- Tones the muscles in the arms and legs
- Fosters release of excess gas
- Improves blood circulation
- Alleviates pain from joints
- Treats problems with indigestion
Wind Release Pose Precautions:
If you suffer from any chronic conditions or are recovering from a serious injury, make sure to consult your doctor before practicing this pose.
Avoid performing wind release pose under the following conditions:
- Severe cardiac problems
- Acute disc prolapse
- High blood pressure
- Hernia
- Severe menstruation cramps
- Pregnancy (especially during the second and third trimester)
- Hyperacidity
Updated by Siya Rajan on 06/14/2018
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Courtesy The Yoga Institute, Santacruz (E), Mumbai
Wind Release Pose. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tummee.com/yoga-poses/wind-release-pose
Wind-Relieving Pose (Pawanmuktasana) – Yoga for Gas. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/yoga/yoga-poses/wind-relieving-pose
