Losing Weight: The Ayurvedic Way

Obesity is a global pandemic. And one which we may be ill-prepared to fight.

With over 40% of adults diagnosed as being overweight, the issue is no longer restricted to being a cosmetic problem, or simply a case of vanity. 

This is because obesity may be a cause of, or a cause for, many other potentially deadly diseases. Fad diets are equally dangerous and may aggravate the issue. Nor do they produce lasting results. So, how do melt excessive body fat and shed weight? 

The answer lies in Ayurvedic medicine and its life-altering principles.

Ayurveda: The Path to a Healthier You

Ayurveda, or Ayurvedic medicine, is an ancient system of healing that focuses on restoring balance within the body and mind in order to achieve optimal health. With a focus on promoting healthy living rather than simply curing the symptoms of diseases, the natural and holistic approach of Ayurveda has gained widespread prominence and is quickly becoming a go-to measure for those seeking an alternative to run-of-the-mill treatments.

The efficacy of Ayurveda can be attributed to many things. Chiefly among these are its emphasis on establishing a unique treatment plan for each individual based on their specific doshas and energies. 

Another important factor is that Ayurvedic medicine formulates an integrated treatment plan that combines preventive and curative therapies. This philosophy means that you are not just treating your illness, but you are adapting a healthier lifestyle which in turn leads to an overall healthier you.

Combatting Obesity with Ayurveda

We already know the serious health risks associated with being overweight. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, osteoarthritis, and even some cancers are more likely to present themselves in overweight individuals compared to those with a healthy body mass. 

However, being overweight may itself be a symptom of stress, hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, and poor nutrition.

Ayurveda combats this by providing a specific and targeted treatment plan that treats the root cause of an ailment along with the symptoms of the disease. This allows you to not only shed the body weight but also to keep it off.

How?

According to Ayurvedic principles, weight gain and obesity are a result of an imbalance of the kapha dosha. Restoring balance is therefore key to achieving weight loss. 

This it does by incorporating the following practices and therapies:

1. An Ayurvedic diet
   An Ayurvedic diet essentially focuses on including wholesome foods which are packed with nutrients; while avoiding fried, processed, cold, and canned foods.For weight loss specifically, kapha-pacifying foods which are warm, light, pungent and astringent are recommended. Wheat, barley, quinoa, and high-in-fibre vegetables and leafy greens are also excellent options.Additionally, practicing mindful eating is a great way to bring balance within your body. Some of the ways by which you can reach your ideal, healthy weight is by:
   • Eating seasonally
   • Following regular meal times
   • Avoiding snacking
   • Eating in moderation
   • Avoid consuming large meals late at night
   • Cleanse and eliminate toxins
   • Taking a short walk after meals
2. Ayurvedic remedies
   Certain herbal remedies and concoctions greatly aid the process of weight loss. These include:
   • Lemon and honey water (specifically first thing in the morning on an empty stomach)
   • Triphala (a formulation of three fruits)
   • Guggul
   • Kalonji
   • Ginger tea

   Consuming these (while being mindful of the effects they have on your dosha) can activate digestion, and may even help balance hormone levels.

3. ExerciseNaturally, regular exercise should be at the forefront of your journey to lose weight. The exercise need not be excessive or strenuous either. Gentle, daily workouts of walking, swimming, or yoga help in reducing fat, toning muscles, and firming up your body. Exercise has many other benefits as well. It improves circulation, boosts metabolism, increases energy levels, and even improves your mood!
4. Ayurvedic therapiesTargeted Ayurvedic therapies aim to reduce body fat and stimulate weight loss. These therapies include:
   • Panchakarma
   • Abhyanga
   • Swedana
   • Virechana

   These basically incorporate detoxifications and specialised massages that eliminate excess adipose. However, it is vital that these treatments are carried out under the guidance of licensed Ayurvedic practitioners to ensure that they are tailored to your specific body type and health goals. 

5. Stress relief
   Being a major cause of hormonal imbalances and the resultant weight gain, practising stress-relieving techniques can go a long way in helping you to lose weight. Yoga, meditation, and Pranayama are effective tools in helping you to achieve mental clarity in today’s stress-inducing world.Adapting simple lifestyle changes such as going to bed early, getting enough sleep, and drinking enough water can also help you balance your body’s natural circadian rhythm, which in turn has a significant hormone-balancing effect. 

Conclusion

In a world of fast food and sedentary lifestyles, it is no wonder that children and adults alike are facing the stigma of obesity. Fortunately, this need not be a permanent condition. 

Ayurveda is the ideal solution to this global problem. It provides a natural, effective, and personalised treatment plan that is both preventive and curative. This allows you to shed weight, reduce body fat, and eliminate the risks associated with obesity. 

Best of all? The recommended remedies and therapies are simple and easy to include into your daily routine. So, you not only lose the weight, but keep it off!

If you want to begin your weight loss journey towards a healthier you, visit us at The Ayurvedic Clinic today. Our panel of consultants can help formulate a tailored plan for you that not only melts away body fat, but balances, restores and rejuvenates you; the Ayurvedic way.