Yoga for Anemia: A List of Yoga Poses to Help Counter the Symptoms of Anemia

What is anemia?

Anemia, which is defined as having low hemoglobin, is a type of condition where the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. Anemia can also occur when red blood cells don’t work as efficiently as they should. People with anemia don’t get enough energy for their bodies to function properly, which results in a feeling of tiredness.

The most common symptoms of anemia include tiredness, exhaustion, pale skin, dizziness, fainting, cold hands and feet, and headaches. Some people experience all of these symptoms and others experience none. The amount of symptoms a person experiences is based off of their individual bodies and the severity of their  anemia. Anemia can be helped with medication and movement through the advise of your doctor.

How yoga can help people with anemia:

Yoga helps to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing throughout the body, which can raise hemoglobin levels in the body. Consistently moving the body, as you do in yoga, can also ensure that the body better absorbs nutrients and medications. This is helpful for those trying to cure anemia and who need assistance.

The following four yoga poses can help alleviate symptoms of anemia:

Lotus Pose (Padmasana)

Posture:  Sit with your legs entwined for three deep breaths. After three breaths switch leg positions and hold for another three deep breaths before releasing to a regular seat.

Benefits:  Lotus pose is a meditative pose that helps a person to breathe deeper and more fully. This helps to get the blood circulating throughout the body.  An additional benefit of Lotus pose is that it stretches and increases flexibility in the hips.

Locust Pose (Salabhasana)

Posture:   Clasping the hands behind your back, use an inhale to lift the chest and feet off of the mat at the same time. Hold the pose for a long breath before releasing from it on an exhale. Repeat this one more time before releasing it to a lying position.  You can watch an instructional video here.

Benefits:  Locust pose requires lifting the chest, arms, and legs which allows blood to circulate through the entire body.  An additional benefit of Locust pose is that it helps reduce back pain. 

Shoulder Stand Pose (Sarvangasana)

Posture:  Push the hands into the lower back to support the body. Use a wall or a yoga block for support and hold the pose for two breaths before releasing it to a Savasana. *NOTE: this is a difficult and potentially dangerous pose*  You can watch an instructional video here.

Benefits:  Shoulder Stand pose allows the blood to flow downwards throughout your body. This helps to circulate the blood flow.  An additional benefit of the Shoulder Stand is that it improves a person’s overall balance.

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Posture:  Lie on your back with your legs and arms released into the mat. Let go of any tension and take five deep breaths through your stomach in this pose. You can watch an instructional video here.

Benefits:  Savasana is a relaxing and meditative pose that gives rise to deeper breathing. Taking fuller breaths allows for better circulation and calms the body and mind down.  Some additional benefits of the Corpse pose include that it reduces anxiety, headaches, fatigue, back pain, and stress.