Over the last few decades, lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, stress, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, etc., have been on a global rise. As per a report published by the World Health Organization, diseases borne out of lifestyle mismanagement account for around 70% of deaths globally and affect millions of people. The conditions of lifestyle diseases are not only preventable but also treatable by the ancient and time-proven wisdom of Ayurveda. This traditional Indian system of Medicine and healing offers powerful remedies in the form of herbal medications and therapies such as Panchkarma (detox program). Ayurveda is a holistic science of wellness. The Ayurvedic Medicine not only treats the diseases at their root cause, but also treats the diseases precisely as per the unique constitution of each person’s body type. It works by first identifying the imbalance of the dosha type – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and then deciding the patient’s treatment by customizing their therapies, diet charts, physical movements, etc.
How Ayurveda looks at lifestyle diseases
Medroga (obesity) – Obesity is also called Medroga in the language of Ayurveda. It indicates the imbalance of the Kapha body type and a slow Mandagni (metabolism) in the body. A slow metabolism indicates the body’s inefficiency in converting food into energy, which results in weight gain, especially in the belly area.
Madhumeha (diabetes) – Madhumeha or diabetes is a lifestyle disease that is caused by low production of insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It is effective in breaking down sugars. It converts food into energy and helps manage the blood sugar levels. Most of the time, diabetes is caused by sedentary lifestyles, the absence of physical movement, and poor eating habits.
Rakta gata vata (hypertension) – Hypertension or high blood pressure is a medical condition where the flow of blood is extremely high against the walls of the artery. This results in damaging the blood vessels and raises the risks of heart issues, strokes, and other health conditions.
The Main Ayurvedic principles that help manage such diseases
Ayurveda addresses a person as a being, and it goes beyond addressing just the ailments of the patient. Ayurveda uses a holistic approach that not only takes into consideration the physical factors but also the mental state and internal harmony of the person.
Dinacharya – Dinacharya, or daily routine, is a time-tested principle of Ayurveda that not only fixes lifestyle diseases but also offers a healthy alternative that helps maintain good health and overall wellness. Ayurveda suggests following a structured daily routine that includes waking up early every day and starting your day with physical activities, breathing exercises, oil massage, herbal teas, mindful cleansing, and nutritious meals. Dinacharya suggests starting and end the day with the sun. Meaning to also have your last meals by the sunset and allow your body to naturally prepare itself for a good night’s sleep.
Aahar (food and nutrition) – Ahaar is another effective principle of Ayurveda As food is not only a means of extinguishing hunger but a means of replenishment and nutrition for the body. Ayurveda treats food as not just a physical intake but a soulful medicine, which is effective in treating lifestyle diseases and keeping the body and tissues healthy. When your body is internally healthy and happy, it reflects in your mood and in your behaviour. For instance, if you have constipation or diabetes issues, you cannot enjoy your day-to-day life in comfort. Ayurveda addresses such issues at their root cause through the means of food and lifestyle changes.
Vyayam (exercise) – Vyayam – physical movements and exercises are another highly effective and vouched for principle of Ayurveda. Ayurveda recommends a moderate set of exercises that could include anything from a Surya Namaskar flow to light running practiced regularly with consistency. Any kind of physical movement helps in keeping the metabolism levels good and overall organs healthy in the body.
Pranayama – Pranayama, or the yogic breath work is food for the soul. It is a yogic exercise that checks the body’s Prana (vital energy points) and fosters overall wellness and health.
Star Solutions in Ayurveda to manage lifestyle diseases
Panchkarma – The Panchkarma therapy is the star therapy of Ayurveda it is not only a reforming treatment but a transformative journey of inner healing it is a five step detoxification program that includes Vaman (Medical emesis therapy), Virechna (Purgation therapy), Basti (Enema therapy), Nasya (Medicated nasal administration) and Raktamakshana (Bloodletting therapy). Panchkarma not only cleans the gut but also improves blood circulation, flow and better absorption of nutrients in the body.
Herbal medication – Ayurveda Treatment in Kerala offered by credible institutions like Lokah Ayurveda provides excellent herbal medications with a detailed analysis of the patient’s constitution and administers him herbal remedies in the form of concoctions and herbal massage therapies which are exclusively suitable to the patient.
Snehana and Swedana – Snehana and Swedana, also known as Oleation & Fomentation, are Ayurvedic remedies that help prepare the body to efficiently experience elimination treatments like Panchkarma. In Snehana, oils are massaged gently in rhythmic strokes on the patient’s body, and internally, the lubrication is done with the help of ghee which not only aids digestion but also improves circulation. In Swedana, healing heat therapies like steam is used to promote sweating and release toxins from the body. Both these remedies are effective in detoxifying the body and preparing it for receiving the complete benefits of Panchkarma therapy.
Abhyanga – Abhyanga means oil massage. In Abhyanga, the patient is massaged with warm oils infused with medicinal herbs, which are chosen as per his body’s constitution and address specific dosha and diseases. It not only boosts blood circulation but also improves joint health, relaxes muscles, and keeps the skin plump. One of the best things about Abhyanga is that it can be performed in the comforts of your home without the supervision of any medical professional. Although Ayurveda recommends it to be done daily, in today’s hectic lifestyle, if you can do it even twice a week, you can reap the therapeutic benefits that also relax the mind
Conclusion
Ayurveda is not only effective but also a time-tested and vouched-for approach to managing lifestyle diseases and improving overall wellness. Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with nature by following nature’s natural rhythm and allowing nature to guide us and embrace balance and happiness.
