What is Anemia?
Anemia occurs when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells in the body to carry adequate oxygen throughout the system. It affects approximately one in ten women but can also develop in men and children, and it is often linked to other underlying conditions.
Anemia arises when the blood lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells or has low levels of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a crucial protein in red blood cells that binds with oxygen. So, when you don’t have enough red blood cells or your hemoglobin is too low, your body’s cells don’t receive the oxygen they need.
It’s no secret that stress is the root cause of many illnesses. Yoga and breathing techniques can support a calmer, healthier life. Join The Art of Living’s Happiness Program to discover how you can strengthen your well-being.
Symptoms of Anemia
Symptoms like fatigue appear because the body’s organs aren’t receiving the oxygen they need to function properly. Women, young children, and people with chronic conditions are at greater risk of developing anemia.
Risk Factors for Anemia
Some types of anemia are hereditary and can affect babies from birth.
Women of childbearing age are particularly prone to iron-deficiency anemia due to blood loss during menstruation.
Older adults may also be at increased risk due to poor nutrition or other health conditions.
There are many types of anemia, each with different causes and treatments. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common and is treatable through diet changes and increased iron intake. Certain types may also develop during pregnancy. However, some forms of anemia can persist and lead to long-term health issues.
Did you know Ayurveda and regular pulse diagnosis can help? Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of holistic healing that treats diseases at their root.
Causes of Anemia
Blood Loss
Red blood cells can be lost through bleeding, either gradually over time or acutely. This chronic blood loss often results from gastrointestinal conditions like ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis, or cancer.
Iron Deficiency
The most common form of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia. Without enough iron, the body can’t produce adequate hemoglobin. It can be caused by:
Poor diet (especially in infants, teens, vegans, and vegetarians)
Frequent blood donation
Digestive issues
Certain medications
Excessive intake of caffeine or low-nutrient foods
Doctors recommend increasing intake of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, which are essential for red blood cell production and managing anemia.
Treatment of Anemia
Once diagnosed, anemia is typically treated with iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate, taken up to three times a day. Some people may experience side effects like upset stomach or acid reflux. In such cases, ferrous gluconate is an alternative, though it may take longer to show results.
Identifying and treating the root causes is crucial. Alongside conventional treatments, natural approaches like yoga and Ayurveda can also support both physical and mental health.
How Yoga Helps?
Yoga is proven to support people with anemia by balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It improves circulation, boosts alertness, supports cognition, and reduces stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
With consistent yoga practice, your body becomes more resilient, your digestion improves, and your immunity is strengthened. Yoga can also help prevent and ease chronic conditions that worsen anemia, such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and emotional distress.
The Art of Living’s trained instructors will guide you through proper execution of yoga postures and introduce powerful breathing techniques to support lasting health.
Yoga Poses and Breathing Techniques for Anemia:
Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath)
Janusirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend)
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose)
Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Shishuasana (Child’s Pose)
Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep)
Always consult your doctor and a qualified yoga therapist before starting a yoga regimen. Monitor your health regularly once you begin your practice.
The Sudarshan Kriya Solution
The Art of Living also offers another powerful wellness tool: Sudarshan Kriya, developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This breathing technique has helped millions around the world. Learn more at a free seminar near you.
Ayurveda Tips
Ayurveda can help you adopt a personalized nutritional plan to manage anemia. A proper diet is essential—those suffering from anemia should eat foods rich in iron such as:
Dark leafy greens
Apples
Apricots
Lentils
Chickpeas
Soy
Nuts
Prunes and raisins
Join the free seminar “Ayurveda – The Path to Health” by The Art of Living to learn which foods are right for you and how yoga and Ayurvedic wisdom together can bring lasting healing and health.
