by Parmjit Singh, PhD
Yogic practice has been linked with myriad of physical and emotional benefits. A research study published in the June 2005 issue of Psychology of Women Quarterly confirms that women who practiced yoga reported lower levels of self-objectification, body dissatisfaction and symptoms of eating disorders when compared to women participating in aerobic activities and no exercise.
Persistent practice of yogic postures are helpful in fine-tuning the body awareness in the participants and promotes self-awareness rather than comparative awareness which might be one factor in disordered eating and body image problems.
For more information, read:
Daubenmier, J. J. (2005). The relationship of yoga, body awareness and body responsiveness to self-objectification and disordered eating. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 29, 207-219.