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AAMJ / Vol. 3 / Issue 4 / July – August 2017

A A M J Anveshana Ayurveda Medical Journal

www.aamj.in ISSN: 2395-4159

Review Article

Concept analysis on Role of Yoga in the Management of

Sthaulya (Obesity)

Shewale Yogesh Kashinath 1 Pawar K.B 2 Dhimdhime R.S 3

Prashant N Baghel 4 Nilesh Salve 5 Ravindra R. Pandhare 6

A b s t r a c t

Obesity represents an alarming threat to public health in 21st century. In many cases of obesity

causes due to excessive intake of food and lack of physical activity thus sedentary lifestyle plays

an important role in obesity. Sthaulya (obesity) is the most hazardous factor in modern sedentary

society. It is main underlying cause of diseases like Atherosclerosis, Diabetes Mellitus, Osteoar-

thritis, Coronary Heart Disease etc. Atisthūla is described by Acharya Charaka among aṣṭaunin-

ditīya puruṣa.

Due to the limitations of the modern medicine alternative therapies i.e. Ayurveda, Naturopathy,

Yoga are being practiced more and became more popular in present era. Ayurveda and Yoga

are the ancient disciplines designed to bring balance and health to the physical, mental, emo-

tional, and spiritual dimensions of the individual. Āsanas are physical postures and movements

to control Body & Mind. It enhances the blood circulation, tones the muscles, improves digestion

and regulates the metabolism, relieves the mental stress and calms the brain and also helped to

reduction of fat. It maintains an optimum condition of the physical body and promotes health of

person by regular practicing.

Keywords – Āsana, Medoroga, Obesity, Sthaulya, Yoga.

1, 4 PG Scholar, 2 Assistant Professor, 3 Professor & Head, Dept. of Kriya Śarīra, 5&6 PG Scholar,

Dept. of Agada Tantra, GAC, Osmanabad.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR

Dr. Shewale Yogesh Kashinath

PG Scholar,

Department of Kriya Śarīra,

GAC, Osmanabad,

Maharashtra, (India).

Email: [email protected]

http://aamj.in/wp-content/uploads/Volume3/Issue4/AAMJ_1391_1396.pdf

Yogesh et.al,. : Concept analysis on Role of Yoga in the Management of Sthaulya (Obesity)

AAMJ / Vol. 3 / Issue 4 / July – August 2017 1392

INTRODUCTION

besity (Sthaulya) represents an alarming threat

to public health in 21st century. In many cases

of obesity causes due to excessive intake of

food and lack of physical activity thus sedentary lifestyle

plays an important role in obesity. In Ayurveda,

Medoroga or Sthaulya has accepted as Santarpaṇottha

Vikāra i.e. disease caused due to over nourishment. In

modern medical science also included Obesity in nutri-

tional disorders. Obesity is explained in Ayurveda as the

effect of increase of Medo Dhātu (fat tissue).[i]

Yogaratnakara explains obesity with symptoms i.e. A

person due to the excess accumulation of Medo (Fat) and

māṁsa (Muscles) in the body presents with pendulous

buttocks, abdomen, breasts, and disproportionate

strengths with physical growth, energy levels below is

called as Atisthūla or Obese. [ii]

Etiopathology of Sthaulya –

Vitiated dōṣas – Vāyu – Samāna, Vyāna

Pitta – Pāchaka

Kapha – Kledaka

All the three dōṣas are vitiated in samprāpti of the

sthaulya, Āma annarasa formed from the food taken trav-

eling in the body channels gets obstructed due to śarīra

śaithilya or bījabhāga avayava and combines with

kapha and meda in the Medovaha Srotas, which de-

creases the medo dhātvāgni which gives rise to improper

form of meda. Vitiated Vyāna Vāyu transport this im-

proper meda dhātu to its sites i.e. udara (abdomen),

sphika (hip region), stana (breast), gala (neck) etc. result-

ing in sthaulya or ati Sthūla. Due to excessive accumula-

tion of Medo Dhātu produces various signs and symp-

toms.[iii]

The term Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuja’

which means ‘to combine’. Yoga is a Science of Physical,

Mental, and Spiritual approach by which Human being

can achieve harmonious development of health of the

Body–Mind complex. Yoga is the Science of Human Life

itself. [iv]

Ayurveda and Yoga are the ancient disciplines designed

to bring balance and health to the physical, mental, emo-

tional, and spiritual dimensions of the individual.

Ashtanga yoga

It is a comprehensive discipline its ultimate objective be-

ing the realization of the supreme. It consists of eightfold

methods or steps –1)Yama 2)Niyama 3)Āsana

4)Prāṇāyāma 5)Prthyāhāra 6)Dhāraṇa 7)Dhyāna

8)Samādhi.[v]

1. Yama (Abstention) – It includes most important Princi-

ples & Ethical rules that are to be followed in personal &

Social behaviors. They are as follows– Ahiṁsā (Non–vi-

olence), Āstheya (Non–stealing), Satya (observation of

truth), Brahmacharya (Self–abstinence) and Aparigraha

(Non–greedy nature).[vi]

2. Niyama (Observances) – These are principles of per-

sonal practice for self–development and also influence

attitude towards spiritual pursuits & facilitate the spiritual

progress. These are – Śaucha (Cleanliness), Santōṣa

(Contentment), Tapa (Self–control), Swādhyāya (Self

study) and Īśvara praṇidhāna (Devotion).[vii]

3. Āsana (Yogic postures) – These are physical postures

and movements to control Body & Mind.[viii]

4. Prāṇāyāma (Yogic breathing practices) – It concerned

with the controlled breathing exercises and in a broader

sense it helps to develop and control Prāṇa (Vital forces)

in the body and mind.[ix]

5. Prthyāhāra (Concentration) – This is a primary phase

of training the unstable Mind to become stable and able

to concentrate on a certain Thought. This is a study of

training for the withdrawal of the senses from their exter-

nal object or stimuli and bringing them under the control

of mind.[x]

6. Dhāraṇa (Fixed attention) – This is the higher stage of

concentration. It is considered as the foundation for med-

itation. It also regarded as a technique to develop pow-

erful memory. [x]

7. Dhyāna (Meditation) – The convergence of thoughts

attained by fixed attention is concentrated on one fixed

point. It is an effortless single–thought condition. It is very

important method of yoga to controlling the mind.[xi]

8. Samādhi (Absolute contemplation) – It is the disap-

pearance of self–awareness leading into the realization

of Ultimate Truth which may be associated with unrespon-

siveness of the body.[x]

General information and instructions before doing the

Yogic practices–[xii]

1. Age– between 12 and 75 years is suitable for per-

forming yogāsana.

2. Sex– both Male and Female can do this but ladies

should not perform some yogāsanas during their men-

strual period and after the fourth month of their preg-

nancy and up to two months after delivery.

O



3. Period of the Day– In the morning or evening after 3

hours’ heavy meals and 2 hours after breakfast or light

meals. It is better to practice Yogāsanas in the morning

on an empty stomach.

4. Preparation– Evacuation of stool and urine is neces-

sary before performing.

5. Clothes– Tight clothes should be avoided.

Following Yogāsana are useful in sthaulya –

1) Paśchimōttāsana[xiii,xiv]

It gives stretch to the back part of the body and thighs. It

improves respiratory functions by providing contraction

to the muscles of the anterior part of the body that exerts

pressure on the abdomen and thorax. The strong pull on

ligaments, tendons and muscles of the knee joints is ex-

erted. It enhances the blood circulation in the back and

the nerves of the spinal cord are toned. This āsana also

helped to reduction of fat in abdominal region, hip, waist

and thighs.

Precautions –

1. Asthma or diarrhea.

2. Back injury.

3. Pregnant women.

Benefits –

1. It relieves mild depression and stress.

2. Muscle of the back and thighs are well stretched.

3. Abdominal fat can be reduced.

4. It helps to improve digestion and excretion.

5. Anxiety, headaches, and fatigue are reduced.

6. High blood pressure can be cured with this

āsana.

7. It can be increase appetite, and reduce obesity.

8. Pancreatic region is pressed and pancreas is

stimulated.

2) Padmāsana (Lotus posture) [xv,xvi]

The arrangement of feet resembles the petals of Lotus

(padma) so this āsana named as padmāsana. This āsana

has numerous physical and spiritual benefits. It is one of

the comfortable positions for meditation which works on

many Chakras.

Precautions – Patients suffering from Knee or Ankle in-

jury.

Benefits–

1. The knees and ankles get a good stretch.

2. It relieves the mental stress and calms the brain.

3. The joints of pelvis, knee, ankle become elastic.

4. It reduces the fat around thighs.

3) Matsyāsana (Fish posture) [xvii,xviii]

Precautions – Patients suffering from Cervical Spondylo-

sis.

Benefits–

1. Stretching of intercostal muscle increases Lung

Capacity.

2. It stretches the spine and tones it up and relives

Spondylosis.

3. It improves cerebral circulation.

4. Asthma and other Lung disorders are controlled.

5. It also useful in Constipation.

4) Sarvangāsana[xix,xx]

Precaution – Patients suffering from

Cervical Spondylosis.

Benefits–

1. It relieves stress and calm the

brain. It improves the circulation

of brain.

2. It improves breath holding

time and vital capacity



of the lungs.

3. It gives good stretch to the neck and shoulders.

4. The buttocks and legs get toned.

5. It improves digestion and regulates the metabo-

lism.

7. It also reduces Fatigue and Insomnia.

8. High blood pressure is reduced. Blood from

lower portions of the body is well drained to the

Heart and Circulation is improved.

5) Halāsana[xxi,xxii]

It calms the sympathetic nervous system of the body. It

helps to balance the secretions of the thyroxine and

adrenaline.

Precaution – Patients suffering from Cervical Spondylosis

and other disorders of cervical spine, appendicitis.

Benefits –

1. It massages the digestive organs and improves

the digestion thus regulates appetite.

2. It stimulates the Abdominal viscera and regulates

metabolism.

3. It is beneficial in diabetes as it normalizes the

BSL (blood sugar levels).

4. It activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System

of the body.

5. It gives stretch to the spine.

6) Bhujangāsana (Cobra posture) [xxiii,xxiv]

Benefits –

1. It also tones the organs that lie in the lower ab-

domen.

2. This āsana stimulates the digestive, reproductive,

and urinary systems.

3. It helps to regulate metabolism and balancing

the weight thus work well in obesity.

4. This āsana gives a good stretch to the chest,

lungs, shoulders and abdomen.

5. It works as a great stress release and calms

mind.

6. This āsana relieves sciatica and asthma.

7) Pawanmuktāsana[xxv,xxvi]

This āsana helps in various gastric problems i.e. indiges-

tion and constipation. Knees exert pressure on the abdo-

men, holding the position for more than a minute helps

in triggering the burning of fat in the abdominal region.

Cautions – Patients suffering from hernia or piles, ab-

dominal surgery done before.

Benefits –

1. It massages the intestines and internal organs of

the digestive system, hence releases trapped

gases thus improves digestion.

2. It tones the muscles of the arms, legs and back.

3. It helps to burn fat in the fat deposition area i.e.

thighs, buttocks, and abdominal area.

4. It helps to stretch the back and neck.

DISCUSSSION

Yoga and mindfulness–meditation gives benefits:

Decreases in stress and anxiety

Improvement in cognitive functioning and cardiovas-

cular health

Reduction in cortisol levels

Decrease in systolic blood pressure

Various Yogic techniques may improve physical & mental

health through down–regulation of the hypothalamic pi-

tuitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous

system (SNS). The HPA axis and SNS are triggered as a

response to a physical or psychological demand

(stressor), leading to a change of physiological, behav-

ioral, and psychological effects, primarily as a result of

the release of cortisol and catecholamines (epinephrine

and nor epinephrine). This response leads to the mobili-

zation of energy needed to combat the stress. Over time,



the constant state of hypervigilance resulting from re-

peated firing of the HPA axis and SNS can lead to de-

regulation of the system and ultimately diseases such as

obesity.

HPA (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal) axis – [xxvii,xxxi]

It is a complex network of cellular interactions that di-

rectly influences and feedback interactions that involves

three main endocrine glands, the hypothalamus (the mas-

ter gland), the pituitary gland (a pea–shaped structure

located below the hypothalamus), and the adrenal

glands (suprarenal i.e. small organs on top of the kid-

neys). The hormones regulated by the HPA axis include

following–

1. Vasopressin and Corticotropin Releasing Hormone

(CRH) – In response to physical or psychological

stress the hypothalamus will he produces or secretes

these hormones. Water metabolism controlled by

vasopressin acting on the kidneys and CRH regulates

attention, feelings of anxiety & appetite.[xxviii]

2. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) – The pituitary

gland releases this hormone and stimulates the ad-

renal glands to increase production of Glucocorti-

coids. [xxix]

3. Glucocorticoid – It regulate glucose metabolism and

the immune system. Cortisol (or hydrocortisone) is the

most important human glucocorticoid.[xxix]

4. Cortisol – It is released in response to stress and low

blood–glucose concentration, and regulates blood

sugar, the immune system, and the metabolism of fat,

protein, and carbohydrates. Cortisol also activates

the body’s response to stress, injury, sleep depriva-

tion, physical exhaustion, and anxiety.[xxx]

Low level of the hormone has beneficial effects, such as

protecting the body from stressful situations, providing

more energy, increasing physical and mental perfor-

mance, and memory recall. However, sustained high lev-

els of cortisol can have deleterious effects. In short, the

HPA axis coordinates effectively to modulate the stress

response. The HPA axis and all the above hormones reg-

ulate essential body processes, i.e. digestion, metabo-

lism, emotions, mood, energy, libido, and the immune

system. Hence nearly all of the body’s physiological re-

actions and mental status are controlled by all of the

above–mentioned hormones that are in turn regulated by

the HPA axis. To keep the entire system in balance there

is a negative feedback operation in each component of

HPA axis.

Growth Hormone – [xxxii] It is stress hormone. It plays an

important role in both mental and emotional well–being

and maintaining a high energy level. It also improves the

cognitive functions.

Dr. S. Dhananjai et al, 2015 Lucknow, demonstrated

study the efficacy of Prāṇāyāma and Yogāsanas on

blood lipid profiles in apparently healthy obese volun-

teers and concluded that yoga practices are helpful in

patients with lipid metabolism disorders.[xxxiii]

Nisha Shantakumari, Shiefa Sequeira, and Rasha El

deeb et al, 2013 Kerala, conducted the study to assess

the effectiveness of yoga in the management of

dyslipidemia and they concluded that after 3 months in-

tervention of Yoga, it showed a decrease in total choles-

terol, LDL, triglycerides and an improvement in the

HDL.[xxxiv]

Yogāsanas and Kundalini

The ultimate purpose of yoga is the awakening of

kundalini shakti, the evolutionary energy in man. Prac-

tising these āsanas stimulates the chakras, distributing the

generated energy of kundalini all over the body. The pur-

pose of āsana to regulate the chakras i.e. chakrāsana

for manipura chakra, sarvangāsana for vishuddhi,

sirshāsana for sahasrara and so on and all other āsanas

to regulate and purify the nadis in the body thus facilitat-

ing the conduction of Prāṇa throughout the body. To cre-

ate balance between the interacting activities and pro-

cesses of the pranic and mental forces is the objective of

hatha yoga. Once this has been achieved, the impulses

generated give a call of awakening to sushumna nadi,

the central pathway in the spine, through which the

kundalini energy ascends to sahasrara chakra, thereby

illumining the higher centres of human consciousness.

[xxxv]

CONCLUSION

It maintains an optimum condition of the physical body

and promotes health of person by regular practicing of

āsana. From practicing these, the dormant energy poten-

tial is released and increases confidence in life. When

Yogāsanas are performed in proscribed manner then res-

piration and metabolic rates slow down, the consumption

of oxygen and the body temperature drop. Various Yogic

techniques may improve physical & mental health

through down–regulation of the hypothalamic pituitary–

adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system

(SNS). These Āsanas are very useful in the Sthaulya to

burn fat in the fat deposition area i.e. thighs, buttocks,

and abdominal area. So it helps to regulate metabolism

and balancing the weight thus work well in obesity and

dyslipidemia.

ΛΛΛΛ



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Source of Support: Nil.

Conflict of Interest: None declared

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How to cite this article: Yogesh et.al,. : Concept analysis

on Role of Yoga in the Management of Sthaulya (Obesity)

AAMJ 2017; 4:1391 – 1396.

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