subject: Deal With Obesity Through Ayurveda [print this page] The principles of Ayurveda suggest that a person becomes obese or overweight because of the imbalance of the various doshas such as vata, pitta and kapha. Each individual predominantly has a particular type of dosha that determines his or her body constitution. Once the body constitution is determined, through diet and light activities such as yoga, the weight of the body can be normalized.
Diet
Ayurveda treats the whole body and not just the symptoms. The aim of this type of treatment is to restore balance between the body and Nature. Diet plays an important role in treating any disease. The type of foods that you consume combined with the constitution of your body is what determines how much weight you put on. You must ensure that the right food is consumed and also aid the process of digestion.
Aid Digestion
Along with eating at the right time and the right amount there are certain other things that you can do to aid digestion.
Spices and herbs that are pungent are digestive stimulants. Ginger, cumin, black pepper and mustard seeds are commonly used pungent spices.
Sip hot water every now and then. Continue throughout the day. This is an easy digestion aid.
Exercise on a regular basis. A sedentary lifestyle is the leading cause of obesity all over the world.
Fasting once a week is an excellent idea to stimulate those digestive juices. On the day of fasting you may consume light soups, warm milk and vegetable or fruit juices.
Ginger tea is another excellent digestion aid. Drink ginger tea a few times a day and your digestion will kick into high gear.
Instead of ginger tea, you may also chew on a slice of ginger just before meals. Alternatively, grate ginger and mix with some salt or lemon juice.
Gotu kola, shilajit and amalaki are Ayurvedic herbs which help digestion.
Introspect and reconnect with your life
Understand what you really desire and need. If you are overweight you may want to think about how lugging around those extra pounds on your frame feels. What is the ideal weight that you desire to have? Do you eat to satisfy any emotional cravings? Are you able to nourish all your senses through your life or do you turn to food to do that for you? Are you providing enough nutrition to your body?
These are the primary questions that you need to answer.
Get rid of ama
Ama is a byproduct of incomplete digestion. Ama clogs up the channels of body including the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Overweight people often have excessive amounts of ama in their body. One of the first steps in treating obesity is getting rid of ama from the body.
Turmeric, gugglu, trikatu, barberry and tripbala are some of the compounds that are used to reduce ama.
Relax
Relaxation is of utmost importance to achieve balance in your life. Yoga, pranayama and meditation are very helpful in reducing stress and helping your mind and body relax.
The above steps combined with herbal remedies will help bring your weight under control.
