Eating disorders have become a common problem since a while and can even cause potential life-threatening health conditions which can come from a mix of emotional, psychological, behavioural, interpersonal, biological, and social factors. People who have a psychological eating disorder often use food and the habit of binge eating to escape from feelings, emotions and to get through some situations. Others due to unusual cravings usually face digestive issues, constipation, abdominal pain and flatulence.
Yoga is an old and traditional form of exercise that can play the role of an effective way to restore the imbalances in both body and mind that lead to eating disorders but also improves the overall quality of life. The asanas in yoga mainly focus on mental and physical well-being of a person by giving relief from depression, anxiety, anger and also helps an individual in having equanimity, relaxation, and serenity. Read the article to know about yogasanas for eating disorders.
Yogasanas to help with eating disorders
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa often cause dysfunction of the first chakra in the yogic energetic system leading to loss of strength, energy, and impact on bone density. However, with regular practice of some specific yogasanas that are focused on improving the base of the spine, one can reinstate imbalances of both mind and body, and can also treat problems such as constipation, indigestion, and other health ailments. Here is a list of asanas for eating disorders:
1. Bhujangasana
The cobra pose or bhujangasana does not only help in reducing belly fat but can also treat digestive problems such as constipation and flatulence. It enhances mental calmness and eventually helps in treating sudden food cravings as well. Lie flat on the stomach and keep your forehead on the ground with the palms underneath your shoulders. Taking support from your back and belly muscles, pick your body off the floor while inhaling. Keep your arms straight and the shoulder blades pressed against your back. Fix eyes at a point on the ceiling and stretch your neck. Lift your buttocks a few inches off the floor. Hold the pose for around 30 seconds and exhale as you come back to the starting position.
2. Tadasana
Tadasana is one of the easiest yoga postures, but it is very helpful in fighting off mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, disorientation and improving body balance and gut health. Stand straight on the floor, with your heels touching each other and feet a bit apart. Keep the soles touching the ground at all times and your hands straight on either side. Look forward and hold the pose for 5 minutes. Take a one minute break and repeat this three times.
3. Kapotasana
Kapotasana is focused on improving the strength of the chest and legs, loosening the hips and toning your thighs. It also helps in improving your appetite and preventing eating disorders and digestive issues such as indigestion, stomach cramps, and gaseous problems.
4. Apanasana
Apanasana is a yogasana which helps with a downward energy flow and enhances digestion and healthy bowel movement. This yoga pose also provides relief from bloating and menstrual cramps, and helps in reducing fat from the stomach and lower back. You can try this yoga asana by lying flat on your back and inhaling. Bring knees to the chest while exhaling. Hold this position for around 15 seconds. Move knees from side to side gradually to maximise the stretch. Come back to the starting position.
5. Dhanurasana
The bow pose or dhanurasana helps in providing relief from back problems, improving digestion, treating constipation, stomach cramps and also curing cough and cold symptoms. Just lie flat on your stomach and raise both your legs and torso backwards. Extend your arms backwards and hold both feet with your hands. Hold this position for as long as you can and keep inhaling normally. Come back to the starting position and do the asana atleast 5-6 times.
