Weight Management - Ayurveda

Being a little overweight is not a noticeable problem for overweight, however, carrying a few extra kilograms can develop symptoms of obesity which can affect day to day life. It shows several signs & symptoms. These are :

• Increase in sweating
• Breathlessness
• Snoring
• Feeling fatigued every day
• Inability to cope with sudden physical activity
• Back and Joint Pains
• Depressions
• High blood pressure & High Cholesterol levels
• Diabetes & heart diseases
• Gallbladder or Liver diseases 

Ayurveda is the biggest contributor to mankind for human longevity and wellbeing in the most natural possible way. Ayurveda can help to treat overweight/obesity in the best possible organic way with the help of authentic medication, dedicated therapy, and massages. 

First, the holistic assessment of the health is done in which the Vaidya looks at the whole picture of the health and try to achieve full understanding of the body. During the assessment, Vaidya determines that what treatment plan will best suit the patient. Then, the treatment course starts followed by therapies like Udgharshanam, Udwarthanam, Elakizhi, Kadikizhi, Pizhichil, Abhyangam and Vasti, etc  depending on the conditions of the patient along with herbal medications wholesome and well balanced cuisines, Yoga & meditation session, fitness session to Enable better metabolism and lightness in your body and Gain strength, flexibility and stamina for your body.

In Ayurveda, obesity/overweight is treated only for weight loss or loss of centimeters by adjusting metabolic processes like reducing excess fat and Ama, clearing the body canals, and strengthening the digestive systems. In Ayurveda, the diagnosis procedures are two pronged. One aims to establish the state and type of pathology and second decides the mode of treatment.  It is done through holistic assessment of the health. The Vaidya will look at the whole picture of the patient health and try to achieve the full understanding. They observe, palpate and interrogate with the patients. The Vaidya determines the doshas or body constitution, the health of Dhatus (tissues), the strength of digestive fire, immunity and as well as mental harmony. This involves asking extensive questions on topic like lifestyle, diet, personal and professional life, medical history and any current problems. While knowing the constitution of the body, it will provide insight into which of the doshas are most likely to be in excess and which therapies and treatments plan will best suit the patient. 

A risk factor is something that increases a person’s chance of becoming overweight. The risk factors of overweight/obesity are : 

• Physical inactivity: If one has a sedentary lifestyle, the risk for obesity increases. As one takes more calories every day and not doing regular exercises will not burn calories which can cause obesity.
• Unhealthy diet: A diet that is high in calories, lacking fruits and vegetables, fast food, high-calorie beverages, and oversized portions contribute to weight gain.
• Pregnancy:  During pregnancy, weight gain is common. The weight gain here can develop obesity in women.
• Smoking: Smoking is associated with weight gain. 
• Lack of sleep: Not taking enough sleep can cause changes in hormones which can increase your appetite. In craves of food, one will ingest high calories and carbohydrates which can contribute to weight gain.
• Stress: The external factors which affect our mood and well-being can contribute to obesity. 
• Microbiome: Our gut bacteria are affected by what we eat which contributes to weight gain or difficulty in losing weight.
• Previous attempt to lose weight: The previous attempt of weight loss followed by rapid weight gain can slow your metabolism and may contribute to further gain

Different factors cause overweight/obesity. One can take steps to prevent unhealthy weight gain and related health problems. These steps are : 

• Exercise regularly for at least one hour per day
• Follow and maintain a healthy diet plan
• Monitor your weight regularly 
• Know and avoid the food traps that cause you to eat
• Be consistent and stick to your healthy weight plan
• Avoid smoking
• Take enough sleep
• Avoid day sleep

Ayurveda can help in dealing with overweight/obesity. There are several evidences which suggest that Ayurveda treatments can decrease the risk of overweight/obesity in. Choosing a right and holistic treatment as per the advice of a doctor can help in decreasing the risk of overweight/obesity. With no side effects, low-risk procedures and healing compounds such as dietary supplements and herbal extracts are useful in treating obesity/abnormal weight gain. 

There are several Ayurveda therapies recommended to cure obesity. In Ayurveda, obesity is not only treated for weight loss but it is also treated in terms of adjusting the metabolic process by reducing excess fat and Ama to regulate the proper function of the body, strengthening the digestive system, tissue fiber, and clearing the body canals. The holistic approach comprised of proper lifestyle, diet modifications, herbal medications, yoga asanas, pranayama & meditation & therapies such as Udgharshanam, Udwarthanam, Elakizhi, Kadikizhi, Pizhichil, Abhyangam and Vasti, etc can decrease the obesity.  

Note: Internal medications and therapy are prescribed by expert Ayurveda physician after complete assessment.

• Udgharshanam: In this treatment, the wet form of a medicated powder is used. The wet, scrub kind mixture is gently massaged through the body and then allowed to settle and removed. This therapy is useful in breaking the cellulite in our body and strengthens the muscles. 
• Udwarthanam: This therapy is a combination of an exfoliator, massage therapy, and treatment. It is administered using a specially prepared dry powder to improve the circulation of blood and treat numbness of the limbs. It is useful in reducing the fat and it gives a toned and firm look. 
• Elakizhi: Elakizhi is a combination of two words Ela and Kizhi. Ela means leaves and Kizhi means Potli or bolus. It is an ayurvedic treatment method of sweat-inducing. In this process, herbal leaves are fried with medicated oils and other ingredients and tied in a Potli. Then, Potli is dipped into hot medicated oil and slowly applied over the body or on the affected area. It gives relief from body pain, stiff joints, backaches, and similar ailments. This massage therapy is highly effective in treating ailments affecting the joints and bones.
• Pizhicil: It is a very intensive Ayurveda treatment that helps to relieve body pain and muscle spasms. In this treatment, medicated fluid, mostly oil is poured all over the body for a duration of 60 minutes every day for a period ranging from 7-21 days. It is very effective in the treatment of all types of spinal disorders. In this treatment, 2-5 therapists work on an individual simultaneously.  
• Kadikizhi: In this Ayurveda therapy, steamed herbal Kizhi is used instead of the herbs mixed in oil. This treatment begins with a light massage with medicated oils followed by steamed Kizhi massage. 
• Vasti: It is an important treatment in Ayurveda meant for rheumatic diseases. In this treatment, the toxin is removed from the body to stop vitiated doshas. The medicated liquids and oils are passed through the anus or vaginal canal to remove the toxin.
• Abhyangam: Abhyangam is a Sanskrit word that means application of warm oil on the body. It is an old ayurvedic oil massage. In this massage, the oil is applied on the entire body from the scalp to the sole of feet using soft and gentle strokes followed by a steam bath. This massage reduces the aggravated Vata in our body, gives relaxation, revitalize the tissue, and remove toxic wastes from our body.
• Changed and customized therapy after consultation with Vaidya.
• Herbal oil massages on the entire body
• Mud therapy, Steam and Sauna bath, water bath
• Regular yoga, meditation, and physical exercise session. 
• Proper routine of life and modification in the diet with diet tips
• Intake of herbal juices and herbal tea
• Recommended changes to improve the quality of sleep
• Evaluation of personal lifestyle and fitness on daily basis