Yoga for eating disorders - Anorexia nervosa
Eating disorders are a physical manifestation of a psychological problem. Eating disorders are extremely harmful in the long term and can be a potential danger to physical health. Anorexia nervosa, one of the most common eating disorders, has a high incidence among youth and therefore, it is important that the disorder be addressed immediately before it can cause an upheaval in the human body.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a skewed body image. Even though these people are extremely low in body weight, they are obsessed with the fear of gaining weight. People who suffer from this disorder are exceedingly malnourished and underweight. They may even starve themselves in order to avoid even a slight amount of weight gain.
Treatment for Eating Disorder
Though yoga has never been considered an eating disorder therapy, the truth is that yoga can help calm your mind and therefore, have a direct effect on disorders that stem from there. Yoga can be of great help if you are looking to calm down your mind and drive negative thoughts and feelings away. While the treatment for any eating disorder typically involves sessions with a psychiatrist or a psychologist, practicing yoga along with attending these sessions can be extremely helpful.
Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
The treatment of anorexia nervosa specifically involves improving the self image of a person through suggestions, and reinforcement by the psychologist. Meditation along with this therapy can help calm your mind and indulge in introspection. Yoga is known to be able to reduce depression by triggering specific mood enhancing and calming hormones. The balance of mind can be restored by practicing yoga regularly. Moreover it builds self confidence and self esteem, reducing the risks of such disorders as it makes you more comfortable with yourself and your body.
There has been prolific research to understand what causes eating disorders. However, medical professionals are still not sure of the root cause of these disorders. It is largely believed that there may be a chemical imbalance in the brain involved in this. However, there may be several environmental factors like peer pressure involved.
The effects of anorexia nervosa, though not very grave at the initial stage, can be harrowing later on. Since the body image is distorted, the patient could suffer from low self worth and waning self confidence. Refusal to eat or eating only selectively can cause a person to feel depressed and may ultimately lead to malnutrition.
Yoga for eating disorders concentrates on soothing the mind. Hatha yoga and Ashtanga yoga can help you clear your mind and become more spiritually inclined, treat your body with respect and allow it to flourish with the right kind of nutrition.