Ayurvedic Approach to Weight Management and Treatment

Many people around you suffer from obesity and other related problems. No one likes being overweight because it is associated with personality disorders and can lead to various illnesses. There can be many factors that contribute to weight gain. In adverse circumstances, there are some medical cases where weight gain and weight loss make it very difficult. Normally, a healthy weight can be achieved through a healthy diet, physical activity, optimal sleep, and stress reduction. People may try the quick fix of fad diets that promise fast results as a new trend of weight management. But such diets may limit your nutrition and fail in the long run, making you unhealthy.

Ayurvedic Approach to weight management

Ayurveda adopts a holistic, sustainable, and most importantly personal approach. Weight control in Ayurveda is part of a larger goal to prevent and control the disease. Ayurveda sticks to the treatment procedures based on the health status of an individual, genetic, emotional, and mental well-being, current imbalances, and lifestyle. It addresses the root cause of weight gain and related conditions and recommends a combination of short- and long-term changes in diet and lifestyle.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Weight Loss:

Ayurvedic treatment for weight loss includes diet, supplements, and various treatments. Home remedies for obesity are possible in Ayurvedic treatment and can help you lose weight. However, those who are severely overweight may need several treatments.

Kerala is famous for its rich tradition of natural herbal treatments. Many Ayurvedic treatment centers offer special packages for weight loss in Kerala. The health retreat centers in Kerala are well known for various therapies to get rid of the excess fat deposits and the related health issues and to provide rejuvenation.

The Panchakarma therapy in Ayurveda helps to eliminate accumulated toxins from the body, improves metabolic rates and digestive fire, and brings balance to the doshas. Panchakarma involves the administration of the following therapies:

- Swedana or perspiration is a steam therapy that helps to reduce toxins in the body and acts on fat tissues.

- Basti or enema is used to reduce toxins in the body through a procedure wherein the medicated oils are given through the anal route.

- Udvarthanam or exfoliation is a dry powder massage that helps to reduce the accumulation of fat. The massage includes a deep dry massage.

- Kizhi is a fomentation treatment done using pouches of herbal ingredients dipped in warm herbal oils.

- Abhyanga or full body massage helps revitalize the body and gives a more smooth, strong, and charming body.

Unlike diet trends and fads that promote a rigid diet, Ayurveda suggests a diet that may be difficult to maintain by many and may not suit everyone. But with its long tradition in health care, Ayurveda proves to be successful in weight loss management naturally. Ayurveda as a holistic approach to treatment does not rely on one method but on different methods that are helpful in weight management. Ayurveda recommends including some daily routines such as:

Ayurveda focuses on the following factors through various therapies:

• Hot water consumption early in the morning and before meals to improve digestion.

• Intake of a diet that has sufficient nutrients. Inclusion of food that helps smooth functioning of the digestive system and also considering the weather.

• Regular intake of some ayurvedic herbs like Guggulu and Triphala to ensure the removal of toxins.

• Consumption of Ayurvedic herbal supplements that help to improve metabolism and weight loss.

• Good sleep ensures body metabolism works in the right way.

• Physical activities help in losing calories.

• It promotes a natural lifestyle modification and suggests nutrition and sleep for complete wellness.

• The personalized approach of Ayurveda ensures the provision of customized therapies understanding the needs of each individual.

• Focusing on holistic management of imbalances, not only cures the condition but also prevents other diseases.

• With various therapies in combination with the practice of Yoga, meditation, and other stress-relief methods, Ayurveda ensures rejuvenation.

Everyone wants to lose weight and live a healthy life. People come up with many questions due to the anxiety of increasing body weight like, ‘is that due to my eating habit close to bedtime?’, ‘is my stress leading to this condition, ‘Is my genes causing obesity?’, etc. There are many types of problems that can lead to uncontrolled weight gain. Being overweight not only affects your personality but also is not good for your health. That is why it is important to lose weight and maintain healthy body weight. But to be successful in weight management, one must change the lifestyle that may be the root cause of the condition. Living an Ayurvedic lifestyle by following Dinacharya (Daily Routine), is a simple solution to any health-related problems and is vital to promoting a harmonious balance between mind, body, and soul.