Kriyā Kosha

Pāvanmuktāsana

Wind-Relieving Pose

Knees to the chest, one at a time then both. Breathe into the belly against the pressure.

8 breathsVataKapha

How to do it

Lie on your back and draw one knee in towards the chest, holding it with both hands while the other leg stays long on the floor. Hold for a few breaths, breathing down into the belly against the pressure, then change sides before drawing both knees in together. The pressure should be firm and comfortable, never sharp.

SeatedSeated — draw one knee up towards the chest, hold, then change sides.

What it does

Releases trapped wind and settles a bloated, heavy belly.

When you'll be given it

Vata and Kapha protocols, and any morning after a heavy or late meal.

Where it comes from

Named in the Hatha Yoga texts for exactly this purpose — pavana is wind.

Take care

Skip in late pregnancy and after recent abdominal surgery. If the knee complains, hold behind the thigh instead of over the kneecap.

The engine already leaves this out of your practice if your profile flags pregnancy late, recent surgery.

Not sure whether it suits you? Ask a Vaidya.

There's no button here to start this. Your practice is prescribed each morning — that's what keeps the dose honest.