Adding plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, along with fiber-rich whole grains, is essential to genuinely improve your digestion.
At the same time, there are simple exercises and massage techniques you can easily use to kickstart your digestion. Just five minutes can be enough to feel the benefits!
Supercharged Belly Breathing
To speed up digestion, it’s vital to get oxygen flowing to your gut. But how do you do that? One of the best ways at home is to learn belly breathing. It takes a bit of practice and patience, but once you’ve got it, you can use it anytime, anywhere to support your digestion.
How to do it
Lie on your back, relax, bend your knees, and place your feet flat on the floor. Focus on breathing so your belly—not your chest—rises as you inhale. Push your belly out as much as you can while breathing in, then pull it in as much as possible when you breathe out. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, repeating at least ten times in a slow, steady rhythm. This simple technique gently massages your intestines and floods the area with oxygen, even if it feels subtle.
Alternating Knee Lifts
You can boost the effects of supercharged belly breathing with a few easy moves. No need to get up—stay relaxed in the same position and keep your digestion moving comfortably.
How to do it
While lying on your back, keep one leg comfortably bent with your foot on the floor. Bend the other leg and clasp your hands under that knee. Gently pull your knee toward your chest as far as feels comfortable—no strain! Hold for a few seconds and take one belly breath in and out. As you exhale, lower your leg. Repeat on the other leg, then try pulling both knees up together and breathe. Do this four to five times!
Massage for Guaranteed Success
If you stick with these exercises, you’ll definitely notice results. Sometimes, a little massage can also help speed things along.
How to do it
It’s very important to massage your belly clockwise! Place your hand on your right hip bone so your wrist rests on the bone and your fist is on your belly. Gently press your abdomen and trace a half-circle: move along under your ribs to your left hip bone, then return over your pubic bone back to the starting point. This quick and simple massage stimulates digestion and can ease occasional constipation.
