Joey Tribbiani's Thanksgiving Pants

5 yoga minded tips to feeling better after the... 

BIG MEAL!

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of a scene from an episode of

"FRIENDS"....(IMPORTANT, Please watch before you continue)

Let's talk DIGESTION!  First...let's try NOT to over eat, but in the event that we do(and we all know we will) here are a few tips to help take the edge of the B.B.B's ....that Big. Bad. Bloated. feeling.

TIP 1.  Avoid Stressful conversation while you eat:  Warning:  This has not been tested.

TIP 2.  Chew your food:  Yes I know, it is the mantra of mothers around the world.  It just so happens to be true. A very important part of digestion is in the mouth.  Try chewing your bites at least 10 times or more.  You may be surprised at what a challenge this is.  Come to think of it, this just may help you with  tip #1.  

TIP 3.  Breath through your nose:  Breathing through the nose plays a vital role in the process of digestion because it has a direct impact on your endrocrine system. Try three rounds of Alternate Nostril Breathing...(find a quiet place, so your family doesn't think your crazy, however if they are the crazy ones, than let them join in.  It can be a family affair)

Alternate Nostril Breathing: Using your right hand, close the right nostril with your thumb, and breathe in through the left. Having inhaled, now close the left nostril with the pinky and ring finger of the same hand, and breath out through the right nostril. Immediately breathe in again through that same (right) nostril, and exhale through the left. This pattern: in left, out right, in right, out left, is one unit. Repeating this unit four times makes one round.  Easy as PIE.

TIP 4.  Ayurvedic Remedies:  Prevention...Try eating a few pieces of ginger sprinkled with salt before the meal.  This combination can help ward off indigestion caused by over eating, or it just might make you lose your appetite.  Either way it's worth a try.  Too late? Don't worry, try this...the  juice of half a lemon added to a glass of  water, along with a bit of soda bicarb stir well. This should be taken in case of indigestion for instant relief.  Think of it as a "mixed drink", it'll go down easier, at least that what I keep telling myself.

TIP 5:  If none of these tips work for you, just moan and groan then take a 5 hour nap like the rest of us.

Namaste & Happy Thanksgiving!!!