Why people fart during yoga (and how to manage it)
When I was about 7 I was visiting my grandma (we called her Mama) with my brothers. I can’t remember if we heard a noise or just smelled something, but my brother whispered to me, with a look of glee on his face, “Mama just farted.” “She did not,” I replied. “Ladies don’t fart.” We bet 50 cents on it. I can’t remember if I ever paid up.
Because, of course, ladies do fart. As do men, children, and non-binary people. Everyone farts!
And for lots of us there is anxiety about letting one go in a yoga class. But don’t worry, it happens to the best of us, and there's a few good reasons behind it.
Why Do We Fart During Yoga?
Positioning Perils: Yoga poses are designed to stretch and twist your body in ways that can sometimes put pressure on your intestines. Think of those deep squats and twists—they can be a recipe for a gas release.
Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing is a cornerstone of yoga. While it’s fantastic for oxygenating your body and calming your mind, it also means you’re gulping in a lot of air, which can eventually find its way out.
Relaxation: Yoga helps to relax your muscles, including those that control your bowels. When your body is relaxed, it's easier for gas to escape.
Diet Matters: Yoga enthusiasts often follow healthy diets rich in fiber, which is great for digestion but can also lead to more gas production. Combine that with the movements and stretches of yoga, and you have a perfect storm for flatulence.
How to Manage It
Mind Your Diet: If you know you have a yoga class later, try to avoid gas-producing foods like legumes, broccoli, and carbonated drinks. Opt for easily digestible foods at least two hours before your session.
Bathroom Break: Make sure you hit the bathroom before class. An empty bowel means less chance of an embarrassing moment.
Modify Poses: If you’re feeling particularly gassy, opt for poses that are less likely to press on your intestines. Skip the deep twists and go for more neutral positions.
Acceptance: Understand that it’s a natural body function. Everyone does it, and yoga teachers are used to it. If it happens, just smile, take a deep breath, and move on.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your digestive system running smoothly and can reduce gas.
Remember, yoga is all about embracing and accepting your body. So, if you let one slip, don't worry too much. You're in a judgment-free zone. The next time you’re on your mat and feel a rumble in your tummy, just know you're not alone and that it's all part of the yoga journey.
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Yoga Pose of the Week
Knee to Chest Pose - This pose is often called “wind relieving pose”. I only heard this description a few years ago. I used to only think of it as a gentle stretch for the lower back and good one to rest in. But as I look at this pic, I can see how it looks wind-relieving. Regardless of why you do the pose, it is very relaxing and soothing and I highly recommend it.
Yoga Philosophy of the Week
I was reminded again of Aparigraha, the wonderful principle of yoga that encourages us to let go of thoughts, possessions, and outcomes this week. My friend told me about her friend who had gone to an art exhibition in Perth and was encouraged to create art with disappearing paint. It was a reminder that there can be so much joy in the creation rather than just the outcome. Click here to learn more about Aparigraha from a recording I made for a course last year.
Mindful Moment of the Week
This week I had the pleasure of sharing a meditation practice with a couple of new groups of people. Although these two groups were very different to each other, they both benefited from this very simple meditation practice that I’ll share with you now. Close your eyes if you’re comfortable. Breathe in and out naturally and count one. After the next inhale and exhale, count two. Keep going until you get to 10. Then breathe and count back to one.
Body Love Health Tip of the Week
Yes, fibre can cause wind, but it is so good for us. It helps to lower cholesterol, keep weight stable, stabilise blood sugars, and reduce the risk of some other health conditions. I recently made this very quick and super delicious dish of red lentil dal and sticky chicken. Lentils have heaps of fibre, and I highly recommend this take on them. The recipe is here (perhaps reduce the amount of salt).
