Ayurveda and Weight Loss

Ayurveda or 'science of life' believes in a holistic approach to health and well-being. Lifestyles have changed with more of processed and refined food, less of natural food, reduced exercise, increased sedentary patterns, etc. With this, there is a growing incidence of obesity – both the age of onset and the severity of progression.

Ayurveda attributes good health to a balance between three elements – vaata, kapha, and pitta. The imbalance between the three leads to ill health, including obesity.

Weight loss, according to Ayurveda, includes a holistic approach with lifestyle changes, dietary changes, yoga asanas, and some Ayurvedic remedies.

Dietary changes: A number of herbs are used, which reduce fat accumulation, reduce triglyceride levels, improve insulin resistance, and improve fat-waist ratios.

1. Have a lukewarm mixture of black pepper, lime juice, and honey first thing in the morning.
2. Boil cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds; strain and drink throughout the day.
3. Have honey mixed with cinnamon powder.
4. Fight obesity with herbs like ginger, triphala, licorice, guggul, and wild gooseberries.
5. Avoid whites like rice, salt, sugar, and refined flours like maida.
6. Eat seasonal and natural vegetables and fruits along with dairy products.
7. Ensure adequate hydration of about three liters per day to get rid of toxins, which are formed during weight loss.

Massage: Ayurveda recommends specific massages aimed at weight loss.

1. Abhyangam: This massage done using warm herbal oils helps in revitalizing and reenergizing the body. It is a great detox method by improving blood and lymphatic circulation, eliminating wastes, and improving nutritional supply at a cellular level.
2. Udwarthanam: This is a special dry massage using dry herbal powders and vigorous strokes/movements. They are believed to help in breaking up fatty deposits, improving blood circulation, and improving overall muscle tone.

Ayurvedic herbs:

1. Ginger: Helps in cholesterol metabolism, reduces fat accumulation, and controls fatty acid oxidation
2. Triphala: Helps to maintain a lean body mass, prevents fat accumulation, and helps weight loss
3. Garcinia cambogia: Stops fat accumulation, prevents visceral fat formation and alters fat synthesis
4. Guggul or Commiphora: Another fat burner, which reduces total cholesterol and triglycerides and improves levels of good cholesterol
5. Licorice or Glycyrrhiza Glabra: Has phyto-chemicals and flavonoids, which reduce triglyceride levels.
6. Kalonji: Reduces waist-hip ratios and body mass index

Lifestyle changes:

1. Include yoga asanas like Ardha Chandraasana, which are aimed at weight loss. Any yoga is useful in detox and improving metabolism.
2. Quit smoking.
3. Quit or consume alcohol only in moderation.
4. Follow a regular sleep routine of 7 to 8 hours.
5. Maintain adequate hydration.

All these will together help in losing weight, maintaining weight at a desired level and preventing unnecessary weight gain. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult a doctor.