You’re in the middle of yoga class and you can feel a slight rumbling in your stomach. A ball of pressure begins to form and you can feel as it makes its way down your abdomen. You know that as soon as you adjust your body to switch to the next position that the bubble of gas is going to escape in the middle of this quiet, peaceful space…
If that scenario sounds all too familiar, you’re not the only one. In fact, farting while doing yoga is extremely common—and normal—as is yawning and sneezing. Certain poses induce gaseous releases and are often used to aid indigestion. Allowing your body to relax during yoga also gives the body permission to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) which regulates digestive functioning.
The PNS is the same reason that you may have a habit of yawning during while performing yoga. When not in a hyper-adrenalized “fight or flight” state, your body has a chance to realise how tired it actually is.
If bodily urges do arise during class, don’t fight them. They are natural and your body’s way of responding to what it needs. Simply say “excuse me” and carry on!
