ROLE OF YOGA IN PROMOTING BODY AWARENESS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR INTUITIVE EATING

Abstract

Yoga, an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness, has gained widespread recognition for its positive impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. One notable aspect of yoga is its ability to promote body awareness—a heightened understanding of one's own body, its sensations, and its needs. This paper explores the role of yoga in fostering body awareness and its implications for intuitive eating, a concept that emphasizes listening to the body's natural cues for hunger and fullness to guide eating behaviors. Yoga encourages practitioners to be present in the moment, creating a deep connection between the mind and body. Through various yoga poses and breathwork, individuals learn to tune into bodily sensations, improving their ability to recognize hunger, fullness, and emotional triggers for eating. The cultivation of mindfulness during yoga practice extends beyond the mat and into daily life, potentially influencing how individuals engage with food. Intuitive eating, closely aligned with the principles of yoga, encourages individuals to develop a respectful and attuned relationship with their bodies. By practicing yoga and adopting its mindfulness techniques, individuals may become more attuned to their body's signals, leading to a more balanced approach to eating.

Keywords: Yoga, body awareness, intuitive eating, mindfulness