Get Rid Of Trapped Wind And Bloating!
The mooning gorilla shows us exactly how to get rid of the trapped wind that causes bloating. This intelligent, incredible beast not only shows perfect execution of the standing forward bend or uttanasana, but he is inadvertently multitasking by eating his lunch at the same time! Go gorilla!

Trapped wind, which can lead to abdominal pain, excessive flatulence and feeling bloated, can be caused by a number of different things; swallowed air when we eat or drink quickly when anxious, when undigested food sits in the colon a large amount of gas is released by the resident bacteria in the gut, reactions between acid and alkali in foods we eat form and accumulate excess gas in the bowels and occasionally the release of gas from the bloodstream into our intestines. These are all causes of trapped wind.


The standing forward bend posture practised in yoga is a very effective way to release trapped wind or gas and therefore ease bloating. The action of bending slowly forward like a hinge from the hips effectively pushes the trapped air out of your colon! A word to the wise-never perform this exercise in front of someone who is eye-level with your bottom! For obvious reasons.

Relieve Trapped Wind And Bloating, Feeling Bloated

Do not bend over with a rounded back what ever you do! It will not work as the necessary colon massaging action only happens when you bend, with a straight, flat back from your hips! Check out the diagram above. Ask a friend or family member to lay a straight stick or ruler on your back. It is also perfectly acceptable to support yourself by putting your hands on your legs or a nearby table or chair. Try to keep your arms and legs straight. If you are stiff and have tight muscles, you can bend your knees slightly. Bend a little further each time. A little discomfort is fine, but if you feel pain, however minor, stop immediately and come up slowly with a rounded back to a full standing position.


You can do this simple forward bend four or five times or until you have passed the wind bending a little further each time. The trick is to inhale deeply first, then as you bend forward slowly exhale. Maintain good breathing throughout and exhale only on the forward bend. If this is too much for you, you can perform this by lying on the floor with both legs drawn up to your chest with your knees bent.

Oh, I just realised that the mooning gorilla is not only relieving his trapped wind and bloating, but he is, of course, mooning all of us nosy humans watching him eat his lunch! Three tasks all in one. Go multitasking, mooning gorilla, go!