Ayurvedic Weight Loss Management: Obesity is one of the most common health problems in India. In this era, where physical appearance plays a significant role in each and every place. Being overweight hampers mental health as well like it deteriorates physical health. The constant taunting knowingly or unknownily puts yourself in a place where you start hating your own body. Due to the sedentary lifestyle nowadays, it’s very easy to be diagnosed with diseases like that.
I’m sure we all are aware of the diseases caused by obesity like diabetes, heart conditions, joint pain and what not. Well the list of drawbacks of being overweight is as long as the Great Wall of China. I can continously talk about the disadvantages and each one of you would agree. So, in this article we are going to discuss about authentic ways of reducing weight.
Ayurvedic Alternatives For Junk Food: Weekly Ayurvedic Snack Plan
Ayurvedic Perspective on Obesity
Ayurveda recognizes obesity as Sthaulya or Medorog, a condition arising from an imbalance in the body’s doshas, particularly Kapha dosha and Medha Dhatu (one of the 7 dhatus). It is also caused due to Mandagni (digestive fire). It might also be due to the retention of Ama (undigested food). There are numerous reasons behind obesity ranging from diet to lifestyles to medicines as well. In this article, we won’t be dealing with the cause of symptoms but only the right way of management without beating around the bush.
श्लेष्मणोऽतिप्रकोपेण मेदो धातुः प्रमीयते ।
संचयं याति मेदोऽसौ मेदोरोगोऽयं उच्यते ॥
Due to excessive aggravation of Kapha, Medo Dhatu (fat tissue) gets excessively accumulated, leading to Medoroga (obesity).
While doing the research for this particular topic, I came across various articles discussing how Ayurveda can help in your weight loss journey. It’s true that Ayurvedic principles can surely do that but the fact all over the internet are very misleading. With this particular article, I shall be discussing the management of weight loss but with the facts which are rightfully aligned with sacred knowledge of Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic Weight Loss Management
Ahara
The diet plays a major role in weight loss journey. If you are tired from trying so called tips to lose your weight and still not seeing results. Make sure to add and replace your diet with these 5 foods items that work like magic for weight loss.
1. Jowar (Sorghum)
You can replace Jowar in your diet with rice or roti. While it’s glycemic index is 62 but the fiber content in jowar keeps you full for a longer time. This helps in preventing repetitive eating in a day as it digests slowly.
2. Moong Dal (Green Grams)
One of the best breakfast options to include it in your diet. It is easy to digest making it best for mornings.
3. Madhu Udaka (Honey Water)
Honey is considered to be the best for pacifying Kapha dosha. Drink this first thing in the morning in medium quantity. Remember to not add honey in hot boiling water, add it in lukewarm water.
4. Yava/Jau (Barley)
The best food item for weight loss and diabetes according to Ayurveda. It completely breaks the pathology of both the diseases. Barley’s glycemic index is as low as 25 making it appropriate for weight loss. If not daily, then consider consuming it once or twice a week for significant results.
5. Kulatha (Horsegram)
Include it in your diet once or twice a week. Don’t eat it if you have complaints such as acidity, urticaria, gout or any skin disease.
Moreover, add iitter gourd, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, spinach, amla, pomegranate (in moderation), guava, ginger, black pepper, long pepper (Trikatu) , and takra (buttermilk) in your diet regularly.
Avoid white rice, wheat (in excess), refined flour, milk, curd, paneer, cheese, ghee (in excess), fried foods, processed oils, sweets, ice creams, cold drinks, refrigerated items to lose weight efficiently.
Vihara
Vyayama (Exercise): It stimulates digestion, burns excess fat, and gives you strength as well.
Udvartana (Dry massage): It reduces subcutaneous fats and also improves circulation.
Nidra (Sleep regulation): Avoid day sleeping as it increases Kapha dosha. It helps in promoting metabolic activities.
Langhana (Fasting): Skip one time meal in a day to let your digestive system rest. It helps ignite Agni and reduce Ama.
Yoga Asanas: Surya Namaskar, Trikonasana, Bhujangasana, Naukasana
Pranayama: Kapalbhati, Bhastrika
Aushad
The best herbs for weight loss is Lekhaniya dravya. These helps help in scrapping excess fat from the body. Acharya Charak have mentioned 10 herbs in the form of Lekhaniya Mahakashaya which are mentioned below:
Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 4/12:
मुस्त कुष्ठ हरिद्रा दारुहरिद्रा वचातिविषा कटुरोहिणी चित्रक चिरबिल्व हैमवत्य इति दशेमानि लेखनीयानि भवन्ति|
- Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
- Kustha (Saussurea lappa)
- Haridra (Curcuma longa)
- Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)
- Vasa (Acorus calamus)
- Ativisa (Aconitum heterophyllum)
- Katurohini (Pichorrhiza kurroa)
- Citraka (Plumbago zeylanica)
- Cirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia)
- Haimavati (Iris versicolor)
Lekhana herbs are light (Laghu), sharp (Tikshna), penetrating (Sukshma), bitter or pungent, hot in potency, and help reduce fat and muscle bulk, making the body lean.
Herbal Formulation:
हरितकी बिभीतक्याः फलानि चतुर्गुणानि च ।
गुग्गुलुं समभागं च त्रिफला गुग्गुलुः स्मृतः ॥
Equal parts of Triphala (Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Amalaki) are taken and mixed with Guggulu to form Triphala Guggulu, which is considered excellent for Lekhana (scraping fat).
Make sure to consult a Ayurvedic Practitioner before taking any herbs or formulations. Each person is unique according to Ayurveda with its prakruti, hence not all the herbs are appropriate for each person.
Line of Treatment ( Chikitsa Sutra)
अपतर्पणं च क्रियायोगं
लेखनं च विशेषतः ।
वमनं बस्ति चिकित्सा च
मेदसां संशये हितम् ॥
In obesity, the treatment should include Apatarpana (under-nourishing), Lekhana (scraping therapies), Vamana (emesis), and Basti (medicated enemas) for effective fat removal.
Apatarpana: Adapt light, depleting diet and lifestyle.
Lekhana: Procedures that reduce bulk (like dry massages) or scrap excess fat from strotas (channels).
Vamana: Best line of treatment for removal of excess Kapha.
Basti: It helps un balancing Vata, clear Medovaha Srotas, and remove accumulated fat.
Adapt real and authentic Ayurveda to experience the magic of sacred knowledge. Be aware and prevent yourself from falling into traps. Better to stop your brain from feeding misleading information. Choose wisely before making it a part of your lifestyle.
