How To Do The Pawanmuktasana And What Are Its Benefits?

A beginner's guide to perfecting this yoga posture for improving overall health.

Reviewed by Anirudh Gupta Anirudh Gupta, Certified Yoga Instructor
By Shirin Mehdi Shirin Mehdi • May 2, 2023

How To Do The Pawanmuktasana And What Are Its Benefits?

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Sanskrit: पवनमुक्तसन (PUH-vuhn-mukt-AAHS-uh-nuh) Pawan: wind, Mukta: release or relieve, Asana: pose

The benefits of pavanamuktasana, also known as wind-liberating, wind-relieving, or wind-removing pose, are quite a long list to go through. In fact, it is an ideal posture to start your day with to let out the digestive gasses from the stomach and intestines for abdominal stress relief. It is easy to perform and suitable for beginners too. In this article, we look at the science behind this wind-relieving pose, its long list of benefits, its preparatory and follow-up postures, and precautions to take. Let’s get started!

In This Article

Everything You Need To Know About The Pawanmuktasana

What You Should Know Before You Do The Asana

It is best to practice this asana first thing every morning for the detoxification of your digestive tract through the release of trapped gasses. This should also be one of the first asanas you practice as once the gasses are released, it will make practicing other asanas easier. Yoga must be practiced at least four to six hours after a meal, when your stomach and bowels are both empty.

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Level: Basic
Style: Vinyasa
Duration: 10 to 60 seconds
Repetition: None
Stretches: Abdomen, Lower Back, Arms
Strengthens: Back, Digestive System, Reproductive System

How To Do Pawanmuktasana

Lie flat on your back on a smooth surface, ensuring that your feet are together, and your arms are placed beside your body.
Take a deep breath. As you exhale, bring your knees towards your chest, and press your thighs on your abdomen. Clasp your hands around your legs as if you are hugging your knees.
Hold the asana while you breathe normally. Every time you exhale, make sure you tighten the grip of the hands on the upper shins , and increase the pressure on your chest. Every time you inhale, ensure that you loosen the grip.
Exhale and release the pose after you rock and roll from side to side about three to five times. Relax.

Precautions And Contraindications

Pregnant woman taking a break before doing wind relieving pose

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These are a few points of caution to keep in mind before you do the Pawanmuktasana.

This asana must be avoided if you have had an abdominal surgery recently. Also, people suffering from herniaⁱXRefers to the protruding out of an organ, usually in the abdominal region, through a weak muscle wall. or piles must avoid this asana.

This asana must not be practiced by pregnant women. Menstruating women can avoid this asana if they are not comfortable.
If you are suffering from heart problems, hyperacidityⁱXA condition of acid reflux where digestive acids from your stomach travel up the esophagus causing heartburn. , high blood pressure, slip discⁱXA condition where an intervertebral disc bulges out and applies pressure on the surrounding nerves leading to pain and inflammation. , hernia, back and neck problems, or a testicle disorder, you must avoid this asana.
If you have had a neck injury, but have a doctor’s approval to practice this asana, your head must remain on the floor. Support your neck with a rolled yoga blanket or bath towel while doing the asana.

Beginner’s Tips

Although you must keep your buttocks lifted off the floor, try to keep your lower back grounded on the floor as you practice this asana for improved posture.

Quick Tip

Practice this pose 2-3 times a day for better results. This is recommended as the standard cycle for this pose.

Advanced Pose Alterations

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To deepen the pose, lift your head and chest off the floor. Touch your chin, and eventually, your nose to your knee.

The Benefits Of The Wind Relieving Pose

Woman indicating a healthy digestion and toned abs.

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These are some amazing benefits of Pawanmuktasana.

It strengthens the abdominal muscles and massages the intestines and internal organs of the digestive system, therefore releasing trapped gasses and improving digestion for improved metabolism.

It strengthens the back muscles and tones the muscles of the arms and the legs.
It improves the circulation of blood in the hip area.
It eases the tension in the lower back.
It stimulates the reproductive organs and massages the pelvic muscles.
It helps burn fat in the thighs, buttocks, and abdominal area.
It helps to stretch the back and neck.

The Science Behind The Pawanmuktasana

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Relieving your system of the pressure that it builds up every day brings relaxation to your body, mind, and spirit. This asana is a gentle reminder of your body’s ability to heal itself. It might be a good idea to do this asana first thing every morning, just before you get out of bed. When you gently wake your body with this asana, you will notice that your body functions with greater ease throughout the day.

Preparatory Poses

Sulabh Pawanmuktasana – Keeping the head on the floor

Ardha Pawanmuktasana – Bending only one leg

Follow-Up Poses

Dwi Pada Uttanpadasana

Quick Tip

Another variation of the pose is Salamba Eka Pada Pawanmuktasana, which is done with one leg at a time using props.

Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of Pawanmuktasana

Pawanmuktasana is an ideal yoga pose to start your day. It makes practicing other asanas easier and is beginner-friendly. Practicing this asana daily improves body flexibility and has multiple other health benefits, such as better sleep, weight management, and mental clarity along with digestive relief. Check out the infographic below to learn about the top benefits of Pawanmuktasana.

top 5 benefits of pawanmuktasana (infographic)

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From strengthening the digestive and reproductive systems to aiding in letting out the wind from the digestive tract, the benefits of pawanmuktasana are immense. Starting your yoga routine with this pose makes it easier to perform other asanas. This wind-relieving pose, which should be done on an empty stomach, also helps improve blood circulation in the hip area, helps shed fat in the buttocks, thighs, and abdomen, and strengthen the back and neck. However, pregnant women and those with a history of abdominal surgery, heart and back issues, neck injury, hypertension, hyperacidity, etc., must avoid this pose.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I hold Pawanmuktasana?

You should hold Pawanmuktasana for 30 seconds. However, avoid this posture if you have neck, spinal health, or joint health problems.

How many times should we do Pawanmuktasana?

You must do Pawanmuktasana first thing in the morning every day for desired results.

Key Takeaways

Pawanmuktasana, the yoga pose, stimulates the internal organs and enhances general wellness.
It targets internal organ massage and abdominal muscle strengthening.
Pawanmuktasana positions can ease digestive issues like bloating and constipation.
This yoga pose helps have an improved immune system, decrease blood pressure, and enhance circulation.
Pawanmuktasana can enhance your flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Regularly performing Pawanmuktasana can raise the quality of life and improve general physical and mental health.

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