Cure obesity with yoga: Lose weight, stay emotionally strong with these yoga asanas

Cure for obesity: Yoga balances the body's energy, aids in detoxification, and boosts metabolism; all crucial elements in the fight against obesity (Image: Canva)

Obesity has become one of the most pressing health concerns across the globe. To deal with obesity, the conventional weight-loss methods focus mainly on exercise and diet. On the other hand yoga addresses both the body and the mind, promoting complete well-being.

Obesity involves excessive body fat accumulation, leading to increased health risks such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. According to Divya Rolla, a yoga expert at Cult, while physical factors like poor diet and lack of exercise play a key role, emotional and psychological factors often contribute to the condition. “Yoga’s combination of physical postures, breathwork, and mindfulness practices helps address both the mind and body, offering a balanced approach to weight management,” says Rolla, adding, “Yoga encourages self-awareness and mindfulness, helping you understand your body’s needs, manage emotional eating, and create lasting, healthy habits. Besides, yoga also improves  digestion, reduces stress, balances hormones, and energises the body; all of which are essential for long-term weight management. Yoga  helps in detoxifying the body but also in calming the mind, which is essential for anyone dealing with emotional eating or stress-induced weight gain."

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According to Rolla, yoga balances the body's energy, aids in detoxification, and boosts metabolism; all crucial elements in the fight against obesity. "By practicing yoga, you experience a transformation that goes beyond weight loss. It’s about cultivating awareness, making mindful choices, and nourishing the body and mind," she adds.

While yoga is not a quick-fix solution, practising specific yoga practices can significantly contribute to the reduction of obesity and its associated risks. “However, it's important to learn these techniques from an experienced yoga teacher to ensure they are practiced safely,” warns Rola.

Shat kriyas: Shat Kriyas are hatha yogic purification techniques that cleanse the body and detox the system. Practices like Jala Neti (nasal cleansing), Kapal Bhati (breathwork for cleansing), and Kunjal Kriya (a stomach-cleansing technique) are designed to remove toxins from the body, improve digestive health, and balance emotions. These practices help promote a sense of lightness and mental clarity, which can reduce stress and emotional eating.

Asanas or postures: Yoga asanas (postures) are crucial for building physical strength and improving flexibility. Asanas like Pawanmuktasana (Wind relieving pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra pose), Dhanurasana (Bow pose), Shalabhasana (Locust pose), and Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand) are especially beneficial in stimulating the metabolism, boosting energy, and toning the body. These poses also promote balance in the body's hormone levels, ensuring that all organs function at their optimal level, which is key to managing weight.

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Pranayama: Pranayama (breath control) techniques are another powerful tool in yoga. Pranayama improves the connection between the breath and the mind, helping to reduce stress and cultivate mindfulness. Breathing practices like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and Ujjayi (victorious breath) help calm the nervous system, reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and bring awareness to the present moment. This mindfulness can help you make healthier choices regarding food and lifestyle.

Meditation: A daily meditation practice, even for just 5-10 minutes, can have transformative effects on one’s relationship with food. Meditation helps to calm the mind, reduce cravings, and foster self-awareness. By introducing meditation into a daily routine, you can lose weight and also maintain a healthier mindset and emotional connection with their body and food.

Diet and balance: Yoga also stresses on the importance of maintaining optimal digestive health, a critical factor in weight management, shares Rolla. A controlled diet that is pure, soft, and satisfies only half of the stomach (known as Mithara) is important. “This kind of diet aids in digestion, improves energy levels, and promotes mental clarity. "Yoga encourages a balanced approach to diet and lifestyle. It’s not about restrictive eating or extreme measures but about nourishing the body with wholesome foods that promote both physical and mental health. A mindful attitude toward food is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight," Rolla explains.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.