#HealthBytes: 5 yoga asanas to help you gain healthy weight
What's the story
Healthy weight management is crucial to keeping risks associated with being underweight at bay. These include bone weakening, osteoporosis, anemia, weak immunity, pregnancy complications, among others.
Though not commonly known, yoga - by boosting metabolism, reducing stress, increasing appetite, and improving blood circulation and digestive issues - can help you gain healthy weight.
Here are 5 yoga poses which can help you gain weight.
Bhujangasana
The cobra pose improves your blood flow and digestion
Bhujangasana (cobra pose), by stretching muscles in the chest, abdomen, and shoulders, enhances your blood circulation and promotes healthy digestion, thereby aiding in healthy weight gain.
To perform, lie down on your stomach, with your hands under your shoulders. Now, press down with your hands, and lift your upper body back, as far as possible.
Hold the pose for five breaths. Relax, then repeat.
Vajrasana
The diamond pose improves metabolism and digestion; aids weight gain
One of the simplest asanas, the Vajrasana (or the diamond pose) can be performed right after having a meal.
The pose calms the mind, regulates our metabolism, and improves digestion.
To perform the asana, sit flat on the floor or mat, with thighs placed over your calf muscles.
Stay in the position for a couple of minutes, and focus on your natural breathing rhythm.
Shavasana
The corpse pose reduces stress, thus helping you gain weight
The major reason why the Shavasana (or the corpse pose) helps you gain weight is that it relaxes your mind and body, thus reducing stress, which is a massive stimulant for weight gain.
To perform the Shavasana, lie down straight on your back, your arms freely opened on both sides, and palms facing upwards.
Stay in the position for a couple of minutes.
Sarvangasana
The shoulder stand pose boosts our circulation; strengthens the body
The Sarvangasana is an inversion pose, thus helps in enhancing blood flow, and reducing energy blocks, and strengthening the body.
To perform it, lie down straight on your back, with your feet clinged together. Now, slowly lift your legs upwards to form a 90 degrees angle with the floor.
You may support your back with your palms, by bending your elbows on the mat.
Pawanamuktasana
By enhancing digestion & metabolism, the Pawanmuktasana aids weight gain
Pawanmuktasana (Translation: The wind relieving pose) stimulates and regulates your digestive system, improves metabolism, and aids in nutrients' absorption.
To perform it, lie down flat on your back. Cling your legs, fold your knees, and hug them. Now, lift your head off the floor and put your nose between the knees.
Hold the pose for a few seconds as you breathe deeply, then release.