Originally published August 11 2009
Binge Eating: Find Relief through Yoga Therapy
by Nanditha Ram
(NaturalNews) Binge eating is said to have its origins in psychological disturbances. Binge eaters seek comfort in food when all else seems hopeless. Yoga could offer tremendous therapeutic comfort for victims of this disorder. The connection lies in the fact that yoga could help heal the mind by directing awareness towards the body. Therefore, the behavioral patterns associated with an unhealthy psychological state of being could get minimized to a great extent.
So how does one know if one is a victim of binge eating disorder? Doctors are still undecided about the symptoms that exactly define this condition. However, there are some behavioral signs which could be symptomatic of binge eating. They are:
Frequent consumption of abnormally huge quantities of food
Eating too fast and until one is too full
Eating excessively even when not necessarily hungry
Tendency to eat alone due to embarrassment of over-eating too much
Self-loathing, guilt and depression afterwards, for having eaten too much
Binge eating is also common in Bulimia Nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating and subsequent purging. The purging is forcefully done through induced vomiting or an intake of larger-than-acceptable amounts of laxative. In binge eating however, episodes of over-eating are followed by feelings of guilt and shame. This further reinforces the sense of hopelessness.
Yoga could help
According to research conducted at the University of The Rockies, binge eaters were encouraged to take part in a 10-week yoga therapy program. These participants saw a dramatic drop in their binge-eating episodes towards the end of the program. Every week, the program included an hour of yoga and group discussion afterwards that lasted half an hour.
The rationale behind this phenomenon is the fact that yoga offers a way to reconnect the mind with the body. According to researchers, binge eating is characterized by the inability to face one`s negative emotions. Food offers comfort where nothing else will and so eating works as a cathartic mechanism.
According to psychologists, binge eaters` relationship with food works as a substitute for real bonds with people and emotions in their day to day existence. They hide behind food when they are faced with situations, emotions or feelings they would rather not confront. Yoga makes them rise up to the moment and face their perceived challenges in life and relationships. Yoga does that by bringing their awareness to the present. The idea is to help people forge a new and positive relationship with the body. This raises self-esteem and creates the need to stop abusing one`s own body.
Recommended yoga practices for binge eating
A good physical fitness program is known to restore self-confidence and a sense of wellbeing previously absent. When the body feels healthy and good, the mind tends to follow suit and vice-versa. Yoga in particular has the techniques to improve one`s state of mind and this is evident right from the start of a practice.
Sun salutations provide the practitioner with a cardio workout, while static poses involving a bit of balancing makes one feel more grounded. Pranayama or breathing techniques have benefits that directly impact the body. Some of the known benefits include improved immune functioning, deep cleansing of the blood and digestive system and a fresh supply of oxygenated blood. Pranayama balances the endocrine system and rejuvenates from the inside out. Overall, these practices relax the mind and increase conscious awareness of the body, a key component in healing. One pranayama in particular, Bhastrika or the bellows breath can be practiced every day. This practice increases vitality, reduces abdominal fat and keeps the digestive system in top shape, while increasing metabolic activity.
Deep relaxation and breathing with awareness enable sound sleep. Since rest is also an important aspect of recovery, the relaxation techniques of yoga profoundly aid in healing.
Evidently, yoga can be used as an effective part of restorative therapy. What is more, it promises to replace the body-mind disconnection with a healthy, wholesome attitude to the self and the world.
Sources:
http://www.athealth.com/consumer/disorders/b...
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseCon...
www.yogapoint.com
Sources:
http://www.athealth.com/consumer/disorders/b...
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseCon...
www.yogapoint.com
About the author
Nanditha is a freelance journalist and writer with more than just a passing interest in heath and wellness, food safety and environmental impacts on children's health. She is a yoga and wellness coach, recently relocated to New Zealand. She has published a book on yoga for pregnancy titled "Blissful Mom, Blissful Baby". Please visit http://www.bindumandala.com for more information.
Her blogs can be seen at http://www.bindumandalayoga.blogspot.com
http://www.look-before-you-eat.blogspot.com
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