Passing gas, and audibly at that, in a room full of people can be extremely mortifying. As embarassing as it is for most people, however, passing gas is one of the most normal of human bodily functions. Experts say that on any given day, humans pass gas 14 times a day, on average. Small consolation, of course, to most of us who grew up laughing at fart jokes. Now that you’ve become the inadvertent center of attention and possibly the, er, butt of jokes, you feel like you just want to curl up and die. You’re not the first one.

Many yoga poses increase the likelihood of yogis passing gas because most movements directly affect the digestive system. One in particular, apanasana (a version of the wind-releasing pose), is known to have some benefits to the digestive system. It is rooted in the word apana, which B.K.S. Iyengar describes in his book Light on Yoga as one of the human body’s five main divisions of the energy form vayu (wind).

Iyengar writes, “Apana (is the wind energy) which moves in the sphere of the lower abdomen and controls the function of eliminating urine and feces.”

During apanasana (two knees bent together towards chest while lying on your back), and pavanmuktasana (another version where knees are bent one at a time), the abdominal organs receive a gentle massage that, with constant practice, is known to relieve wind.

Some medical practitioners recognize this as beneficial to the body. American internist, yoga practitioner and author of Yoga As Medicine, Timothy McCall, M.D. writes that “the Viniyoga pose Apanasana can be soothing for the abdominal region and may be helpful for both diarrhea and constipation.”

For others, the experience of yoga brings more than just physical enhancements or relief from physical conditions.

“One of the teachings of yoga is (about) letting go,” PinoYoga points out. “There’s actually a connection with the physical and whatever emotional baggage you may have.”

Yoga instructor Mark Stephens, who wrote Teaching Yoga, concurs that “(the apana-vayu) is the form of energy that eliminates negative experiences.”

So it’s a good thing. Not that we should ever forget our social graces, though. Nor should we become paranoid about when the next outburst might occur either. PinoYoga shares a few tips for dealing with future internal rumblings:

Keep it in? Or let it rip? You can try to keep it in, but sometimes it just comes out without a warning. We say it’s a better choice to let it out, not just in matters of passing gas, but also in the other aspects of living. If you feel there’s a lot more coming but prefer not to have an audience to witness it, you can choose to step out of class then come back when it has passed.

I let one out. What do I do? It happens. Embrace your bodily functions. If the class is generally in a light mood, you can even join in on the chuckling. If the class has a more serious tone, no need to raise your hand to let everyone know it was you. And no need to give dagger looks to the gigglers in the corner. They can’t help it either.

Someone else let one (or several) out. What now? Can’t help but giggle, we’re sure. Get the feel of things—if the noisemaker can laugh at himself or herself, then it’s probably okay to briefly chuckle along. If not, and you feel you’re about to burst out laughing, step out of the room to compose yourself, take a deep breath and remember your intention for class. Step back in when you’re ready.

Remind yourself that it happens to almost everyone. Let go of ego. Show compassion for yourself and others. Handle it with grace, with humor, with gratitude even. Then continue practicing at home where you can do as much apanasana or pavanmuktasana as you need and, so to speak, fire at will. — Owen Santos, contributor

I decided to break the cycle after a friend dragged a group of us to yet another yoga class a couple of years ago. Somehow, at that time, it felt right. I haven’t renewed my membership at that yoga studio, but I have been practicing at home for over a year now.

Home practice has its pros. I can take my time with the asanas and savor all that energy flowing through a stretch. Or finally get myself balanced before moving on to the next pose. Or, if I turn off the yoga podcast, I hear nothing else but my steady breath, the chirping birds and the rustling tree leaves outside on an early morning. Another plus: I don’t have to change out of my pajamas either.

But, as I’ve discovered, one cannot live on home practice alone.

I have been hankering for some guidance. And while the podcasts of yoga classes I follow at home help, it’s still different when you have a live teacher in front of you who will remind you to breathe, relax your neck and shoulders, or help you with a pose you’re struggling with.

Last Saturday was my first day back in yoga class and my first time with Pinoyoga.  I was happy to find that it was a small class of dedicated practitioners instead of a huge room with a battalion of people. The class was invigorating, and it took me out of my usual grind of  an asana sequence that my body and mind have already become used to. It was just what I needed.

I know that yoga is a continuous learning experience. I intend to make these classes a huge part of that. Who knows where I’ll end up this time? I’m pretty sure it’s going to be some place good. — Owen Santos, contributor

PinoYoga is happy to introduce Chair Yoga at our original home of wellness in Centro Maginhawa, Quezon City.  Whatever your age and condition is, you can experience the health benefits of yoga.  Chair yoga is designed for those who have limited mobility.  Old age, disability, injury and some ailments may limit your mobility, but doing chair yoga will stretch and strengthen your body to keep it in the best condition possible.

In our personal experience, our yoga teachers have always encouraged us to always listen to our bodies and not to push beyond our capabilities.  In chair yoga, you would not be achieving the perfect pose, but you would be doing what you can with comfort and ease while breathing deeply and calming the mind, which is the very core of practicing yoga.

Among the many benefits of (chair) yoga are:
- help prevent muscle loss
- improve joint stability
- help in diminishing pain and stiffness
- self-esteem and you would feel happy that you have done something good for your body

Chair Yoga is open to all:
- senior citizens
- physically challenged
- overweight
- out of shape

Be sure to check with your doctor first before engaging in any form of exercise, especially if you have any special health concerns.  And always remember to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY and just stop if your feel any pain and discomfort.

If you think chair yoga is for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via mobile no. 0908-8831938 or email us at pinoyoga@gmail.com.

See you on the chair or on the mat, your choice

Namaste.

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