International Yoga Day: 4 Yoga Asanas To Treat Eating Disorders

People who develop an eating disorder suffer from some kind of obsessive compulsive disorder usually caused by some traumatic event, extreme stress, depression, anxiety and so on. Without a sense of focus or discipline, or without a purpose in life, this can quickly become more aggressive in nature, causing drastic weight loss or weight gain, hormonal changes and even cardiovascular problems. Can yoga treat eating disorders?

Anyone who suffers from an eating disorder needs a sense of balance. This could be emotional balance, psychological balance or even the ability to gain physical balance in terms of lifestyle.

Yoga, which is a holistic practice consisting of various methods like physical poses, pranayama, meditation, mudras, chanting, philosophy and much more, enables a strong mind-body connection.

- Yoga builds balance

The ancient practice of yoga is backed by scientific alignment of the body, which is responsible for channeling your emotional energy. By practicing yoga regularly, you will be able to enjoy better emotional balance and experience equilibrium in your life.

- Yoga boosts confidence

When practicing yoga, you will be able to develop a strong and positive mindset. With the help of this transformation, a person can also experience better self-worth, self esteem and be able to get rid of negative emotions like insecurity and negative body image. Yoga can boost your confidence, making you feel empowered, which in turn helps you to make better decisions for yourself and choices that only aid in your growth and development.

- Power of Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar has a total number of 8 asanas flowing into a sequence with 12 steps for each of the sides – right and left. Remember that when you begin the Surya Namaskar, you must always initiate it from the right side first. This is because the energy of the sun is represented symbolically through this side. A complete cycle covers both the sides, and is made of 24 counts.

- Walking everyday

It is recommended that you go for a walk everyday for at least half or 1 km, preferably early in the morning. This is because the sun’s rays are powerful and very beneficial for health. Restrict junk food and add loads of healthy fruits, vegetables and other organic items into your diet. Start doing the Surya Namaskar at dawn along with pranayama and meditation techniques.

Yoga asanas for eating disorders

# Surya Namaskar

Make sure that you practice a minimum of 5-7 cycles of Surya Namaskar early in the morning to balance your appetite and nervous system. Repeat these 12 steps to the left side to finish one complete cycle.

# Naukasana

Sit in Sukhasana. Uncross your legs and lift them either bent or straight. Try to balance on your tailbone and engage your abdominal muscles. Arms can be parallel to the ground.

# Padahasthasana

Stand in Tadasana position. Exhale as you start to bend forward, bring your fingertips or palms on the floor.

# Paschimottanasana – Seated Forward Bend

Sit with your legs stretched forward, inhale and lift your arms up. Exhale and place your upper body on your lower body.

The benefits of yoga

Yoga not only helps you to build the physical aspect of yourself, such as improving strength, flexibility, stamina and energy, but also mental health. When you include yoga in your regular routine, you will see the difference in your life before and after yoga. Through the techniques of mindfulness that yoga is built upon, you will be able to improve mental health and navigate through difficulties such as stress and depression in a far more sensible and practical manner.