“Somatic yoga eased my GI issues!”

After years of painful bloating following every meal, Amanda Griffith found a gentle, calming routine that aids digestion and lifts her mood—naturally. Here, Amanda shares her story

- Gina Roberts-Grey

At the age of 12, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, and for more than two decades, I struggled to control my digestive health, taking multiple medications and trying various diets.

“Thankfully, a few years ago, new medicines helped me finally achieve remission and enjoy a life free of abdominal pain and the urgent need to run to the bathroom. But the blessing of remission brought the unexpected curse of severe bloating and sluggish digestion.

“Just a few bites of anything left me feeling like my stomach was going to burst. So before eating, I'd look at a plate of food, knowing it might taste good, but I felt anxious because I knew I'd be in agony later. Often, bloating caused by dinner kept me awake throughout the night, forcing me to struggle to stay alert and awake the next day.