Stomach problems are common these days. We lead sedentary lives with long hours spent at work or in front of the TV and do not get enough exercise. This can lead to the stomach organs becoming sluggish and not functioning properly.

Today, I am giving you a combination of Bandhas and Kriyas that will stimulate the heat needed by the digestive system to work properly and also massage, tone and soothe the abdominal organs and glands.

Caution: Those suffering from high blood pressure, gynaecological problems, stomach ulcers or colitis or who have had recent surgery, should not do these exercises or should consult their doctor before doing the same.

Exercise 1

• Sit in padmasan, your hands resting on your knees

• Bend forward slightly and exhale forcefully

• Suck in your stomach to create a hollow space

• Hold as long as you can hold your breath comfortably

• Release contraction and breathe in

• Repeat only three times.

Exercise 2

• Stand straight with your feet spread apart

• Bend the knees; place your palms on the thighs, your fingers facing in as shown

• Exhale deeply through the mouth, hold your breath and move your abdominal muscles in and out as many times (10-50) as possible

• Repeat three times.

Exercise 3

• Sit in padmasan with your back and head straight, hands on knees

• Exhale rapidly and forcefully through the mouth — do rhythmically

• Inhalation will happen passively through the nostrils in between exhalations

• Practice 50 exhalations at a stretch.