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Introduction

Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin (a protein which facilitates the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body) in them is below normal. When a person is anaemic, there is a diminished supply of oxygen to the rest of the body as a result of the reduction in the number of red blood cells and the haemoglobin in them. Nearly half the blood flowing in our veins and arteries consists of red blood cells which carry oxygen to the tissues. Approximately one trillion or 100 million new blood cells are formed daily in the bone marrow. The raw materials required in the production of these cells are iron, proteins, and vitamins, especially folic acid and B12. Of these, iron and proteins are essential in building up the red colouring matter called haemoglobin.

A red cell has a lifespan of approximately one hundred and twenty days and is then destroyed and replaced. Each person should have about 15 gm of haemoglobin per 100 ml of blood, and a blood count of approximately five million red cells per millimetre of blood. One may be surprised to know that people suffering from anaemia often do not show any prominent symptoms for a long time. However the people suffering from this blood disorder often complain of weakness, lethargy, dizziness etc. When the disease reaches an acute stage, some other perceptible signs appear. These include palpitations, short breath, sourness of gums and mouth and headaches. In some cases, the skin color appears to be pale. If anaemia is left untreated your symptoms will get worse and you may become very tired and weak, you may also develop angina or suffer with leg pains when walking. The body's ability to fight infection may also be weakened so you may find you pick up infections more easily.

Yoga and Anaemia

Regular practice of different yoga poses increases the RBC production as well as purifies the blood. According to various yoga gurus anemic patients should start their yoga session with Pranayama followed by Trikonasana. It improves health thereby attaining eternity. Yoga releases the toxins from the body and tries to be in full harmony with nature with the basic 3 aspects of the human elements: the mind, the mental and the spiritual. Yoga has done wonders to the people suffering from various diseases and had cured them completely from the time of Indus civilization, when the treatment of allopathy was not heard of.

Yoga integrates the exercises of aerobics, gymnastics and even combines the mental and physical through breathing, lungs exercise and inhaling of fresh air in to the system. Yoga is a way of life, a conscious act and not a set or series of learning principles. The dexterity, grace, and poise you cultivate as a matter of course is the natural outcome of regular practice. You require no major effort. In fact trying hard will turn your practice into a humdrum, even painful or injurious routine and will eventually slow down your progress. Subsequently and interestingly, the therapeutic effect of yoga is the direct result of involving the mind totally in inspiring (breathing) the body to awaken. One should be gentle and poised.

YOGA POSES FOR ANAEMIA

Sun Salutation

Sun Salutation is one of the more common postures within Yoga. This particular exercise not only stretches your spine and joints, but also works to regulate your breathing, calm your mind, and energize your body. Generally, Sun Salutation is used to begin a set of Yoga exercises. You can use it to begin your day.

Stick Pose

This is a recent addition to the traditional asanas, or poses. Developed in the 19th century by Yoga practitioners, it is believed to increase the height of the user. While this benefit may be questioned, the pose induces a state of complete relaxation. An all-body stretch which does not strain even the novice in Yoga, this pose is most easily held while lying down.

Corpse Pose

Corpse pose seems very simple on the outside. But this yoga posture can be very difficult when the mind is racing. The Corpse Pose or Savasana may look like a simple relaxing pose that is done in between or after an Asana, but this exercise requires a lot of concentration and will develop through continued practice. This exercise, if done correctly, will stimulate blood circulation and will lessen or relieve fatigue, nervousness, asthma, constipation, diabetes, indigestion, and insomnia. It will also improve one's mental concentration.

Camel Pose

Ushtra means a camel. In this asana almost all the limbs of the body are arched like those of a camel. So it is called Ushtrasana.The Camel Yoga Pose helps stretch the front of the body including the chest, abdomen, and quadriceps. It improves spinal flexibility. It is best to practice it later in your asana routine after most of the muscles are limber and and you have worked the back and shoulders.

Wheel Pose

Chakra means "wheel," which correlates to both the rolling action of the somersault and the circular shape of the spine as you perform the pose. Through this asana as aspirant can make his spine quit elastic. Elasticity of the spine preserves youth of a very long time. This asana increase height and increase memory power and excess fat also reduces.

YOGA ASANAS FOR ANAEMIA

UTTANAPADASANAM

In this asana, thigh muscles and stomach muscles are stretched. The strain reaches inner organs like small intestines, enzyme producing glands and other organs and helps increases their capacity. The vertical position of the legs helps improve the blood circulation.

Steps

YASTIKASANA

Primarily, the objective of the Yastikasana is to facilitate maximum stretching of the body. This supine pose serves a three-fold purpose: It protects the body from any harm that may be done through faulty postural habits; it tenses the usually relaxed abdominal and pelvic muscles; it offers rest and relaxation when a non-stretching relaxed and passive attitude is maintained. Moreover, it is an excellent means of increasing your height.

Steps

SHAVASANA

The benefits of this asana are truly endless. Nothing beats a good bit of relaxation. Do this asana anytime you feel upset or blue. If it's hard to get out of bed in the morning to face the day, use this posture to give you a little better perspective. If you suffer from insomnia, this is a perfect way to end the day.

Steps

USHTRASANA

This asana tones up the abdominal viscera, particularly the liver, pancreas, kidney and bladder. It expands the chest and strengthens the ribs. It removes sluggishness of the liver. Ulcer and Hernia patients should not do this asana.

Steps

CHAKRASANA

The 'Wheel Pose' or Chakras Ana has derived its name, because of the peculiar shape the body takes, while performing the asana or pose.

Steps

PASCHIMOTTANASANA

Paschimottanasana is a fine stretching exercise of the body. In one continuous movement, almost all the posterior muscles get fully stretched and relaxed. This helps to improve the functions of the abdominal organs and sets right respiratory disorders. It also helps to improve memory.

Steps

SARVANGASANA

It brightens the psychic faculties and awakens Kundalini Sakti, removes all sorts of diseases of intestine and stomach, and augments the mental power. It supplies a large quantity of blood to the roots of spinal nerves. The muscles of the abdomen, the rectic muscles and the muscles of the thigh are also toned and nourished well. Obesity or corpulence and habitual chronic constipation, Gulma, congestion and enlargement of the liver and spleen are cured by this Asana.

Steps

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