A Yogic perspective to management of disease conditions related to Obesity. For the Yoga Therapist, these pointers are important to know for root cause analysis of the disease/ disorder, patient evaluation and Yogic Management.

1. A presentation to highlight the yogic
perspective and thereof management of
the most frequently seen conditions at a
weight loss centre
-Shvetika Kaul

2.  Beyond ideal weight
 Increased fat content
 Beyond an individual’s optimum range
 Different measures to ascertain ideal weight: H-W,
WHR, BMI, other mathematical formulae
 Measures to ascertain fat content:
skin-fold testing,
 Psycho-somatic origin, lifestyle in dis-order

3. Most commonly seen combinations of diseases with
obesity at a weight loss centre:
 Stress / Depression
 Hypertension
 Diabetes Type II
 Hypothyroid
 Osteoarthritis
 PCOD
 More than one condition

4. Root cause analysis (an overview)
-of psychosomatic diseases in general
-of the said diseases in particular
-Concept for their therapies

5.  Adhi – disturbance at psychic level
 Vyadhi – disease at body level
 Disturbance originating at the psychic level, to the mind
(manomaya kosha) percolates down to the body
(Annamaya kosha) after disturbing the energy systems
(pranamaya kosha)
 Resultant : Breakdown of the integrated whole,
disruption in the harmonious functionality and
coordination between all systems – Sthula, Sukshma, &
Karana
 Psycho-somatic problem has a somato-psychic
management

6.  Relationship building
 Root cause analysis – conceptual basis as the undercurrent
 Phase: psychic, psychosomatic, somatic, organic
 Prana Vayu
 Chakra
 PanchaKosha
 Tridosa
 Agni
 Gene expression
 Diet & Nutrition
Practices specific to harmonizing any imbalances shall be the
initial aim of Therapy. Subsequently progress accordingly

7.  A disorder of Hoarding tendency, of that which keeps you safe, warm,
‘full’ & ‘satiated’ = fulfilled
 A resultant disorder of malfunction at other systems (thus reading the
allied conditions)
 Prana Vayu- Samana
 Agni - Manda
 Chakra- Manipura
 Tridosha- Kapha
 Pancha Kosha- Annamaya, Manomaya
 Very few pure obesity cases without allied conditions.
-Check with hereditary predispositions.
-Difference between a huge build – bigger number on scale
-Cross check if gotten medical tests done recently or not.
-Take risk analysis tests.
-Majorly lifestyle hazards.
-Educate regarding potential problems.
-Check the kind of fat deposits and their location.
-Social circle check. Good chance of working on positive health.

8.  “A response pattern of an organism to prepare itself for
fight or flight” : Swami Gitananda Giri
- today, no ‘saber-tooth tigers’ yet stressed, no where to
run, no means to fight, thus no mechanism to relieve
stress
 Thus,
-originates at the perception level. “Perceived stress”
-address, channelize, unblock, let it out, repeat.
-know, practice tools (Yogic practices) to face, and not
fight
- notice, feel, register i.e. be aware of the relaxation at
the end

9.  “An altered state of body and mind from normal
homeostatic conditions that is caused due to
extrinsic or intrinsic factors”: Dr Selvamurthy
 Thus,
Find your balance, practice enough to know where your
sukha-sthanam lies.
- an “altered state” requires ‘modifications’ to come back
to equilibrium/ homeostasis- at both body & mind
-homeostasis is a dynamic state and so is Yoga and Yogic
practices. It is to be maintained to avoid relapse.
-consider the stimulus – external &/ or internal

10.  Care enough to lend your ear
 Be accessible to the vulnerable. Be a confidante. Don’t
be judgmental
 Tackle the sahabhuvas – dukha, daurmanasya,
angamayjayatva, svasa-prasvasa,
 Obesity and Stress
-One of the primary causes of imbalance.
-Affects Viveka, discernment, hence requires guidance,
fixed schedules
-Work on breathing patterns
-Careful of using carrot and stick approach, use mix of
both up till capacity
-Prompt actions required, before the systems give up
-Chances of neglecting and ignoring symptoms, thus
educate patients in advance

11. Pressure inside the Blood Vessels is higher than the
normal expected values for age and gender
-Thus,
 Reduce resistance, accumulation, pressures.
+ restrictions, constrictions, reactions, stagnations.
 Identify and disassociate with/ manage agents (internal/
external) that cause such responses within us.
 Allow free flow, work on perception & attitudes, clogging
agents, dilation, relaxation, cooling down
 Cultivate vital attitudes – reduce stress induced by inner
over-reaction rather than that caused by responding to
external stimuli

12.  Prana Vayu- Vyana
 Chakra- Anahata
 Tridosha- Vata, Kapha
 Agni – Manda
 Pancha Kosha- Pranamaya, Manomaya
 Obesity & HT =
-To focus on cooling down, relaxing, taking it easy.
-to see that there can be a less-meshed-up / over-wired-
confused solution to situations as well
-to be careful with practices arousing the SNS activity
-to bring BP levels down from critical / higher range, meanwhile
focusing on input aspects more and mild output activities.
Gradually progress to the practices that target calorie burning,
fat redisposition
-Lifestyle changes to improve QOL
-Motor example: reduce the area, reduce the burden on the
motor pump/ heart

13.  Under activity of thyroid gland
“Run the body’s metabolism”
-Thus, Activate, stimulate
 Inadequate stimulation by TSH from pituitary or
inadequate release of TRH
-Thus, Spanda-Nishpanda and shake and throw
 Problem of regulation
-Thus, rhythmicity, regularity, discipline, harmony required
 Auto-immune trigger – problem of awareness,
identification, sukha-sthanam
 Age: estrogen production decrease in females
 iodine deficiency- mechanical cause
 Retention – water, making one less solid & stable.

14.  Prana Vayu- Udana
 Chakra- Vishuddha
 Tridosha- Kapha
 Agni - Manda
 Pancha Kosha- Manomaya, Annamaya
 Obesity & Hypothyroid
- Metabolism issues leading to slow, irregular weight loss.
Keep targets accordingly. Avoid comparisons with other
cases/ previous self.
- Water weight can confuse results & progress
- Symptoms of lethargy, fatigue, sleepiness, mood swings,
overall slowdown etc impede compliance of Yogic Practices.
-Strong motivation required given to insufficient, irregular
results as against efforts put in.
-Do not give short term targets

15.  Resistance, Under-production, Inefficiency
Failure to respond; later, face a deficiency of insulin
 Problem of unused deposits, hence a baggage. Problem of Raga
 Prana Vayu- Samana, Vyana
 Chakra- Manipura
 Tridosha- kapha
 Agni - Manda
 Pancha Kosha- Manomaya
 Obesity and Diabetes
-Diet as a main component
-breaking down resistance is 1st aim, burning up of excess.
-help withdraw from pull of attractions,
-Assist in acceptance of neutrality, balance- of senses, especially taste

16.  Depression = breakdown = daurmanasya = a phase “daur” that the mind goes
through
 Stagnation/ Immobility- thought, emotions, movements
Deficiency
 Prana Vayu- Vyana, Udana, Prana,
 Chakra- Manipura, Swadishthana, Muladhara, Anahata
 Tridosha- Vata, kapha ? (stuck), pitta
 Agni- Manda , Combination, Vishama,
 Pancha Kosha- Manomaya, Pranamaya
 Obesity & Depression
-work on breathing
-work on giving hope, alternative/creative ideas to address people
-inability to grasp. Requires more of patterns, protocols, schedules, fixed routines.
-requires patience, compassion, time
-Stimulate the reward centres
-be careful of using much more of carrots than sticks
-work on smaller achievable targets, short term goals.
-check if its emptiness or an outpour : embrace accordingly

17.  A Degenerative joint disorder.
-Thus, Regenerate through Prana and biogenic foods
 Symptoms of stiffness, mild pain, that come and go doing
activities, goes up to severe joint pain continuing during
resting and sleeping phases.
-Thus, induce expulsion, relaxation, circulation, increase
endurance
 Decreased / narrowing of space between joints
-Thus, expand : physically, mentally etc.
 Cushioning effect lost i.e. sense of stability, security,
support, comfort is lost
 Mostly At Large weight bearing joints – knees, hips.
Hands, legs, lower back.
i.e. Burdening of load on a foundation that can’t support it well

18. -Thus, Energize & Strengthen surrounding and supporting musculature
- Preventive aspect: avoid prolonged overdoing / overexerting activities
without sufficient replenishment thus, over-stimulating the seed for faster
wear & tear.
perform supplementary & complimentary practices
 Prana Vayu- Vyana
 Chakra- Muladhara
 Tridosha- Vata
 Agni - Vishama
 Pancha Kosha- Pranamaya, Annamaya Kosha, Manomaya
 Obesity + Osteoarthritis
-to compensate more with input methods and modify output
techniques.
-Address age related changes, incapacities, rigidity at physical,
emotional, mental levels.
-Gradually progressing protocols, slow progress: prepare mentally

19.  Problem of Self-Perception, misalignment, identity, imbalance,
gene expression, interrelated conditions
 Prana Vayu- Apana,
 Chakra- Swadhisthana, Muladhara,
 Tridosha- kapha
 Agni – Vishama (imabalance), Manda
 Kosha- Manomaya
 Obesity + PCOD
-Self acceptance
- Insufficient results compared to efforts put in
- Slow results, More motivation required
- Requires maximum Hard work, dedication, high spirits
- Requires changes in attitudes, thought patterns
- Be careful of hormone therapy, v. common
- Personality, perception: one’s Feminism affected
- Not many alternate solutions except diet & exercise

20.  Check for major complaint, minor complaint.
 Check degree and severity
 Accordingly treat the more severe condition first
 E.g. Hypertension and Obesity: Bring the hypertensive
to a normal range of BP first before other practices
targeted for body shaping.
 Interrelated systems- interrelated effects and side-
effects.

21. Yogic Solution
Concept & Management of weight loss

22.  Know
 Realize / Understand
 Accept
 Implement
 Maintain
“KRAIM” – a term coined thereof.

23.  Aim: attain & maintain a dynamic sukha sthanam
(physical, mental, spiritual wellbeing): “samattvam”
 Done by culturing one’s self through Yoga practices i.e.
to grow, form, reform, transform & evolve
 Tools used; Abhyas & Vairagya
 To understand Shreyas v/s Preyas Marga
 Yogic lifestyle – Achara, Vichara, Ahara, Vihara,
Vyavhara … e.g.:
-Ashtanga, hatha, Yogic practices
- Right attitudes: Chitta prasadanam, pratipaksha
bhavanam, principles of KY, JY, BY.
-Mitahara
- Adopt Yogic Lifestyle, Yamas & Niyamas

24.  Use Heyam Dukham Anagatam &
Heya, Hetu, Hana, Upaya concept for treatment
 Follow Four- fold relaxation (Gitananda Yoga):
Letting down, giving up, giving in, giving over
 Follow principles of Yoga Chikitsa : work on
awareness, diet, relaxation, breath, prana, mind
direction, resilience, self reliance, waste
elimination, health responsibility undertaking

25.  Input and Output management- Physical, Mental
 Aim: Create an overall Negative Calorie balance
 Lifestyle modification & Behavioral changes
 Input:
work on (1) Portion control, (2) Regularity &
Frequency, (3) Quantity & Quality – focusing factors
affecting compliance
 Output:
work on toxin removal, calorie burning, distribution of
fat deposits, circulatory and expiratory ease of
movement.
 work on Influence of Insulin resistance

26.  Be careful of the “chalega” / “It’s okay” attitude
 Seek guidance and support from professionals
 Ascertain targets (Kgs/time duration) – short & long term
 Fix schedules / time tables – ways to achieve targets
 Prepare in advance for the next day activities
 Use tips and tricks as suggested by professionals
 Maintain daily activity logs, especially deviations
 Keep a track on weight loss progress
 Reward yourself on meeting targets
 Be around people who support & promote; vice versa
 Lifelong maintenance of fitness, health and wellbeing –
adopt Yoga as way of life
 Motivate others to adopt healthy lifestyle, by being a role
model

28.  Books: Yoga chikitsa & Yoga therapy – Dr. A. Bhavanani
 PGDYT 2017 class notes
 Personal Point Therapeutic manual