Soothe your stomach with these yoga poses

Begin with your hands and knees on the mat in a tabletop position with your spine neutral. Breathe in, allow your abdomen to sink towards the floor, then lift your chest and tailbone into cow pose. Exhale and push the floor away into cat pose as you lift up through the shoulders, rounding your spine and curling your tailbone to the floor.

Tip: Take deep breaths in and out through your nose. These core poses will massage your internal organs as you alternately compress and lengthen the intestines, bringing fresh blood to your cells and leading you towards a healthier, happier gut.

Bring your knees wide to the edges of your mat, relax your arms forward and keep your pelvis heavy. Make sure you lengthen your spine, but also sense a possibility of it expanding laterally as you breathe. Lightly rest your forehead on the mat and stay here for four to eight breaths. You’ll feel each breath massage the inner lines of the body.

Tip: For a restorative approach, try using a bolster or pillows under your belly, chest and head for support. Relax the trunk of your body and enjoy the effects of gravity.

Start on all fours in a tabletop position and thread your right arm under your left, so your shoulder and ear rest on the mat. Keep your hips high and lightly draw your belly in. Stay for three to five breaths on each side, allowing the twist to deepen naturally as you exhale with each breath.

Tip: Those who suffer from any back, shoulder, neck or hip conditions should take care with this twist. Positioning a blanket under your knees can provide support.

Begin on your hands and knees as if you were moving into cat-cow pose. Shift your hips back, melt your chest towards the mat and stretch your arms forward. Release your head on the floor or a block and allow gravity to open your heart. Try to stay here for two minutes and breathe deeply to calm your mind.

Tip: Get more from your pose by stretching deeper on each exhale, allowing your belly to expand forward. To take out any intensity around the shoulders, position arms slightly wider than shoulder-width and put a bend into the elbows.

Start by lying on your back and bring your knees in to hug your chest. You will feel a gentle pressure is applied to the entire abdomen. Breathe consciously and hold for four to eight breaths. This pose is soothing, and is also good for stretching the lower back and lengthening the spine.

Tip: Inhale deeply into the belly, relaxing as you connect with the elements of nourishment and elimination.