Background and objectives
Eating disorders are highly prevalent mental disorders marked by a disturbance in food- and body-related attitudes, cognitions, and behaviors. Although several types of eating disordered are differentiated (i.e., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder), all types involve a disturbed experience of the body. This research article provides an overview of the theoretical foundations of yoga, embodiment, and eating disorders and elucidates how yoga supports eating disorder prevention and treatment.
Results
Previous research has shown that yoga presents an effective tool to prevent and treat eating disorders. The authors of the article argue that yoga supports recovery and disrupts the onset of eating disorders by promoting positive ways of experiencing the body. More specifically, yoga is assumed to facilitate the cultivation of positive embodiment, which is defined as the ability to feel a sense of connection between mind and body. This connection allows individuals to become aware of their internal needs, such as thirst and hunger, and to behave in accordance with them instead of engaging in destructive thoughts and behaviors, such as judging or ignoring the own body. These processes might help prevent eating disorders.
Implications
Current methods of treatment for individuals with eating disorders, as well as their prevention, may be enriched by incorporating embodied practices (e.g. the ones proposed by yoga). This finding is promising since yoga presents a relatively cost-effective and low-stigma approach.
Contact
Chair of Sport and Health Management
Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer
Secretary: Mirjam Merz
Uptown Munich Campus D
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich Germany
Phone: +49.89.289.24559
Fax: +49.89.289.24642
info.mgt@sg.tum.de