How To Get Rid Of Nausea With Yoga

Certain yoga poses are the most effective at getting rid of the 'will-throw-up' feeling for good.

Reviewed by Sri Yogi Anand, Registered Yoga Teacher
Written by Shirin Mehdi

Fact-checked by Moksha Gandhi, BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach • Oct 23, 2023

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If you think practicing yoga for nausea is a good idea…you are right! Nausea is that sickening pukish feeling that can knock on your door anytime as a result of stomach flu, motion sickness, or a number of other reasons. But what if we told you that you can relieve yourself of nausea within a matter of minutes? Yes, all it takes is performing four yoga asanas. Are you up for it? In this article, we find out how yoga helps treat nausea and the four yoga exercises to perform. Keep reading!

In This Article

What Is Nausea?

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Nausea is a non-specific symptom. This means that it has many causes. It is a discomfort in the upper stomach that leads to an involuntary urge to vomit. Although nausea can precede vomit, it isn’t necessary that you will vomit if you have nausea. If nausea is prolonged, it becomes exhausting.

How Does Yoga Help With Nausea?

When you practice yoga, blood circulation is enhanced. This means more oxygen is circulated throughout your body. This helps to refresh and rejuvenate your system. With regular practice, imbalances are regulated, and toxins are flushed out. This reduces the sensations that nausea brings with it and provides relief.

Yoga For Nausea

1. Supta Virasana

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This is one of the most effective yoga poses for nausea. When you practice this asana, the weight of the diaphragm is lifted off the liver and stomach. This gives them more space and time to recuperate. Your body is relaxed, and stress and tension are relieved. When you combine the pose with deep breathing, you feel better in an instant.

Quick Tip

It is best to use props like bolsters and blocks to do this pose and focus on your breathing when you feel nauseous. Also, avoid this pose if you have a knee or ankle injury.

2. Viparita Karani

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The Legs Up The Wall Pose is a comforting asana. It removes stress and fatigue in a matter of minutes. This asana calms your body while regulating imbalances. Your stomach is well oxygenated, and therefore, the nausea is reduced. This pose is extremely comforting.

To Know More About This Asana, Click Here: Viparita Karani

3. Baddha Konasana

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The Baddha Konasana stimulates the abdominal organs and removes all blocks. When combined with proper breathing, it helps you overcome that horrible feeling of nausea.

4. Deep Breathing

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Deep breathing is essential not just when you have nausea, but even otherwise. It calms you down instantly and also flushes out toxins. This peaceful state is highly beneficial for both physical health and mental wellness. Breathe in deeply, such that you fill up fresh air in your lungs and stomach. Breathe out slowly. When nausea strikes, take three deep breaths – you will feel much better.

Quick Tip

Practicing Anulom Vilom breathing is also great for dealing with nausea and stress.

Apart from practicing these asanas, drink lots of water and load up on vitamins through fruits and veggies. You will bid that nausea goodbye forever.

5. Paschimottanasana

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Paschimottanasana is a seated forward-bend pose in yoga that allows for a full-body stretch. It lengthens the spine and stimulates the abdominal area to enhance digestion, while the focused breathing helps relieve stress and anxiety. This is a simple, relaxing asana that can help suppress nausea.

6. Uttanasana

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Uttanasana is similar to paschimottanasana, except that it is done while standing up. Hence, it is also called the standing forward-bend pose. This pose is better for beginners as it is more accessible for people with limited flexibility. You may take the support of a chair or table if you cannot bend all the way down. It offers the same benefit of relieving nausea. Just remember to keep your back straight as you bend down.

Infographic- Best Yoga Poses To Relieve Nausea

Nausea is discomforting but can be easily managed with yoga. It not only helps in alleviating the symptoms of nausea but also calms your body and mind. Check the infographic below for a quick round-up of the best yoga poses that may help you relieve nausea quickly. Scroll down!

best yoga poses to relieve nausea (infographic)

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Download Infographic

Yoga is a perfect remedy to get rid of nausea. The four yoga asanas discussed above aid blood circulation, thereby increasing oxygenation and revitalizing the body. They keep the body relaxed, relieve stress, reduce fatigue, regulate imbalances in the body, flush out toxins, activate abdominal organs, etc. Remember, breathing plays a crucial role in all these asanas, so pay heed to this aspect with utmost focus to increase mindfulness and complete awareness of your body in the present moment. Also, take care of your diet , hydrate yourself, and balance your lifestyle to properly enhance the effects of yoga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a pressure point for nausea?

There are various pressure points, also known as acupoints, for nausea. Some of these within your reach are P6 (a pressure point on the inner side of your wrist), LV3 (a pressure point between your big toe and the toe next to it), ST36 (a pressure point on your lower leg, underneath the kneecap). However, it’s more challenging to find the other pressure points – and warrant guidance from a certified acupressure therapist.

What happens if you feel nauseous every day?

Feeling nauseous daily could signify an underlying condition, like a digestive problem. Make an appointment with your doctor if you’ve been experiencing nausea regularly for more than a month.

How should I sit when nauseous?

Sit up, keep your body upright, and move around as little as possible when you’re feeling nauseous.

How long does nausea usually last?

The duration of nausea depends on its cause. For instance, while nausea associated with stomach flu typically improves within a day, that linked with food poisoning can last up to 48 hours.

Is massage good for nausea?

Yes. One type of massage, called reflexology, is a natural technique to relieve nausea. It helps relieve the unpleasant sensation and instantly treats minor symptoms of nausea. In a study, reflexology was found to lower nausea and fatigue caused by chemotherapy in breast cancer patients (1).

What sleeping position is best for nausea?

When you’re nauseous, lie on your side with your head elevated. It is irrelevant which side you lie on when you sleep, and you can lower your risk of choking if you were to puke while you are dozing.

Key Takeaways

Common conditions including motion sickness, pregnancy, and specific drugs can all contribute to nausea.
Some yoga positions, including the child’s pose, the downward dog, and the sitting twist, might calm the digestive system and lessen nausea.
Breathing techniques, or pranayama, can also be beneficial for alleviating nausea since they work to calm the body and can even reduce symptoms of dizziness and discomfort.
Progressive muscular relaxation, contemplation, and meditation are some effective yoga poses for the treatment of nausea.
It is crucial to pay attention to your body and perform yoga asanas and breathing techniques that suit you.

Feel relief from nausea with this easy yoga stretch routine. Watch this video to learn simple poses to help reduce this discomfort and feel better.

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

1. The Effect of Reflexology on Chemotherapy-induced Nausea, Vomiting, and Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5473096/

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