Burps—whether awkward, hilarious, or necessary—are subject to all sorts of social rules, interpretations, and taboos.
Under growing public attention, medical science has acknowledged a new condition: ABELCHIA or no burp syndrome.
While most people might find it amusing, the condition in itself is quite distressing. Botox injections are now recommended as the primary line of treatment.
But it’s not all needles and surgery.
Yoga, the ancient practice that calms our minds might just be another key to getting burps back in balance.
I’ve known people who’ve naturally found relief through yoga, thanks to smartly targeting the abdominal muscles, diaphragm, and nervous system.
Medical literature identifies three main reasons behind this inability to burp (UES dysfunction):
- Structural abnormalities in the oesophagus, are rare and usually diagnosed in childhood.
- Neurophysiological failures, where fine motor control of the digestive tract goes awry.
- Learned behaviors, often subconscious, suppress natural burping.
It’s the last two that yoga is best at addressing—using a combination of physical movement and psychological interventions.
I remember learning early in my yoga journey that the inability to burp is tied to a blocked Manipura Chakra (the solar plexus chakra).
Interestingly, the boisterous burping of street bullies in Europe or the casual, natural burps common in India are at least signs of a relaxed abdomen and a well-functioning digestive system.
The concept may sound abstract, but in my experience, there’s real truth to it!
What works?
Asanas – especially those introducing changes in the distribution of abdominal intra-pressure:
Cat-Cow Pose
This simple spinal movement helps stretch the chest, neck, and diaphragm, promoting better circulation and relaxation in the esophagus area.
- How to do it: Start on all fours, hands under shoulders and knees under hips. Inhale as you drop your belly towards the floor, lifting your chest and head (Cow Pose). Exhale as you round your back, tucking your chin towards your chest (Cat Pose). Move slowly between these two poses, syncing breath with movement for 5-10 rounds.
Pawanmuktasana or Apanasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)
As the name suggests, this pose helps release trapped air in the stomach and intestines, making it a perfect remedy for anyone suffering from UES dysfunction and bloating.
- How to do it: Lie on your back and bring your knees towards your chest. Hug them gently, inhaling deeply as you lengthen your spine. On your exhale, press your knees closer into your chest. Hold this pose for 5-10 breaths.
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)
This twisting pose is great for improving digestion and stimulating the abdominal organs, including the esophagus. Twists help release trapped gas and regulate the digestive system by “wringing out” the abdominal muscles.
- How to do it: Sit with one leg extended and the other bent, foot placed on the opposite side of the extended leg. Twist your torso towards the bent knee, placing your opposite arm against it for leverage. Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
This dynamic backbend stretches the entire front of the body, particularly the stomach and chest, making it great for improving digestion and relieving bloating. It also strengthens the diaphragm and encourages proper UES function.
- How to do it: Lie face-down, bend your knees, and grab your ankles. Inhale as you lift your chest and thighs off the ground, pulling your feet toward the ceiling. Hold for 5-10 breaths, feeling the stretch in your abdomen and throat.
These poses, when combined with mindful breathing, help bring balance to your body and can provide real relief from UES dysfunction.
Although I chose to introduce the practical details of these yoga poses I have to insist that in all cases of Yoga Therapy, one shall work with a professional.
Practicing from books or even with a yoga teacher is not equivalent to yoga therapy.
These are particularly true for the most efficient of the yoga techniques recommended here:
Uddiyana Bandha (Upward Abdominal Lock) is a powerful yogic technique that tones the abdominal muscles, strengthens the diaphragm, and helps regulate digestive functions, including the UES. This lock creates an upward suction in the abdomen, encouraging the proper movement of air and improving digestive health.
How to do it? Under supervision.
Intensive repetitions of this bandha or its inadequate practice caused excessive belching symptoms in a few cases I encountered.
Understanding UES Dysfunction
The Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES) is the gatekeeper of your throat, controlling the flow between your oesophagus and throat. When functioning properly, it allows air to escape, giving us that relieving burp.
However, when things go awry, UES dysfunction can occur in two frustrating forms:
Non-relaxation of the UES:
This is where the sphincter tightens up. The air gets trapped, causing bloating, discomfort, and a lot of frustration. Imagine desperately trying to release a balloon, but the knot’s just too tight.
Excessive relaxation of the UES:
On the flip side, some people experience too much burping. Their UES is overly relaxed, allowing air to constantly escape in the form of frequent, sometimes uncontrollable burps. It’s like opening a floodgate—burps just keep flowing, often at the most inconvenient times.
The Cause and Effect: Why Does This Happen?
A lot is going on behind the scenes that might lead to UES dysfunction. Studies have shown that it can be caused by nerve damage, particularly involving the vagus nerve, or by gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD).
Aerophagia – meaning eating air or swallowing air.
Other people have the habit of absorbing air from the pharynx during speaking or breathing also leading to excessive eructation (the appropriate medical term for burping)
Stress and anxiety can also play a big role, as the UES is directly linked to the nervous system.
Think of the UES as your body’s gatekeeper, and when stress levels are high, it either gets too lazy to keep things in or becomes overly strict and refuses to let anything out.
The Social and Emotional Impact
While UES dysfunction isn’t life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life.
Imagine feeling bloated all day or worrying about burping in the middle of a conversation.
These issues often lead to social anxiety and can make people hyper-aware of their bodily functions. Whether it’s trying to hide excessive burping or feeling constantly uncomfortable due to trapped air, it’s more than just a digestive nuisance—it’s a real-life burping drama!
In recent years, more attention has been given to UES dysfunction, partly thanks to patient discussions in online communities, and new research shedding light on the condition.
True healing often requires a holistic approach that blends multiple lifestyle adjustments.
Yoga therapy could be one key ingredient combined with mindful eating, stress reduction, good posture habits, behavioral therapies, speech therapy and psychosomatic interventions.
Thus, the results become transformative beyond elegant burping behaviors or even digestive proficiency.
Give me a call to get a comprehensive perspective of your options and professional management of the dynamics of your healing processes:
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