We all want to remain fit and look good. Some people avoid gaining weight by exercising excessively or starving themselves. The individuals may suffer from the eating disorder said to be Anorexia Nervosa. It involves an unrealistic body image, emotional challenges and exaggerated fear of becoming obese or overweight.
The increasing influence of eating disorders and social media are becoming common among teens. Women and men would develop anorexia nervosa, but it is most common in females. Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening illness-causing heart-rhythm disturbances, malnutrition, hormonal disturbances, anaemia, and electrolyte imbalances.
The right anorexia treatment gains a better sense of who you are and leads to the healthier eating habits. The holistic approach of Ayurveda treats problems by correcting their root cause. The health problem is deeply rooted in Psychology. Ayurvedic treatment for anorexia nervosa incorporates herbal medicines as well as home remedies to a detailed psychological counselling by an expert Ayurvedic doctor. The treatment of Anorexia nervosa from Ayurvedic perspective includes:
Anorexia or Aruchi in Ayurveda
Anorexia means no desire towards food, even when the person is hungry and food available as per their taste. Anorexia is known as Aruchi in Ayurveda. This may arise due to stress, sedentary lifestyle and wrong eating patterns. Due to this condition, the person may have no appetite as per psychological reasons or food. Some people get a bad taste in the mouth and have no desire to swallow the food.
Besides being underweight, anorexia nervosa patients restrict food intake through fasting or dieting. They would talk about fats and calories making excuses to avoid eating.
Some people over-exercise or secretly vomit after meals due to the fear of accumulating fat. Anorexia patients have low self – esteem and are self-critical of themselves.
Anorexia has visible manifestations, besides the unnatural low weight. Skin shrivel and peel as it gets pale and hair becomes dry and weak. Nails start to break and begin to fall with time. The tooth enamel becomes thinner as the disease progresses. Women experience absence in their menstruation.
Many people don’t go for anorexia treatment at initial phase. The desire to remain thin overrides concerns about their health. When you notice a friend or family member who does severe dieting, low self-esteem and identification with appearance, talk to them about healthier behaviour and safe anorexia treatment options.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Based on Ayurveda, anorexia is caused due to aggravation of pitta, vata and Kapha doshas. This leads to incomplete formation of toxins (ama) in the body. Ama formation blocks the gastrointestinal channels of the body and disturbs the sense of taste. As per Ayurveda, the anorexia patient experience the following:
Vataj aruchi: individuals experience mouth dryness and have an astringent taste.
Pitta Trucchi: mouth has a bitter taste and has heartburn.
Kapha Trucchi: mouth exhibits sweet or sour taste and has the feeling of heaviness in the body.
Lifestyle factors and diet such as negative emotions, sedentary lifestyle, oil, sweet and heavy food consumption, having irregular meals, snacking between meals, eating in a disturbed environment or the emotional state triggers imbalances of doshas in your body leading to eating disorders.
Ayurvedic line of anorexia treatment focuses on balancing the vitiated doshas through personalized treatment combined with psychological counselling of the patient, home remedies, panchakarma therapies, herbal remedies, lifestyle changes and healthy diet.
The holistic, deep-rooted, and scientific approach of Ayurveda states neither psychological nor physical factors affects the patient’s appetite in any form or eating disorder. This would improve the overall health and wellbeing of patients.
Lifestyle and diet
Consume freshly prepared warm food. The meals are taken at regular intervals, so the previous meals get properly digested.
- Head massage or full body massage with sesame oil would strengthen your body and relax the nervous system.
- Yoga postures like Bhramari Pranayama or Pawanmuktasan are beneficial for people with anorexia.
- Soak almonds, dates and raisins at night. Mix them in milk and consume in the morning.
- Practice aromatherapy to relax your mind. Keep fragrances in your room.
- Get emotional support when needed. Spend time with relatives and good friends. This relieves stress and improves your digestive power.
