Ayurvedic Cure for Obesity

Obesity is measured in terms of Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is the mathematical or quantitative interpretation that is used to identify whether an individual is obese or not. It is estimated by dividing the body weight by height. However, being obese and being overweight are not same. If you are having a BMI over 30, it means you are obese. On the other hand, if the BMI is less than 30, but lies between 25 and 29.9, it means you are overweight.

In United States and many areas of the world, obesity is spreading like an epidemic. So, obesity cure has become a serious concern now-a-days. Besides following traditional medicines, more and more people are now inclined towards finding an alternative solution for treating obesity. This article sheds light on the Ayurvedic cure for obesity.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Obesity

In Ayurveda, obesity is referred to as Stholya Roga, which occurs due to excess accumulation of body fat. Following this norm, excess accumulation of water, fat, muscles and bones can be defined as a state of being obese. Obesity is a specific type of condition during which natural energy is reserved and stored within the fatty tissues of the body. This conservation of energy is increased up to a certain point where it influences health conditions adversely and heightens the risk of mortality.

In Ayurvedic studies an obese individual is defined as Atisthula person belonging into the cluster of Astha Nindatiya Purushas or eight undesirable physical characteristics. The other seven characteristics are Atideergha (very tall), Atihriswa (very short), Atigaura (very fair), Atikrishna (very dark), Atiloma (excessive body hair), Aloma (absence of body hair), and Atikrisha (excessive thin).

Ayurveda also asserts that specifically two types of characteristics are mostly undesirable among these eight characteristics. These are Atisthula and Atikrisha. Charaka, the great ancient Ayurvedic practitioner of India, explained that Atisthula individuals are more susceptible to any sort of health risks than individuals having normal body types.

The Ayurvedic Shloka from Ashtanga Sansrah says, "Stholayam pragudahritah guruadivridhasan leen sleshma mishro annajo rasah". It means that obesity is caused as a result of excessive intake of heavy and fatty food while doing no physical work. While describing the cure for obesity, Ayurveda focuses on providing a holistic solution.

Ayurvedic Herbal Solution

Triphala is the formulation of three myrobalans – Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). If Triphala is used in combination with Guggul (Commiphora mukul), it is considered as one of the best obesity cure of all time. Besides that, Triphala powder can also offer an effective solution for treating obesity, if used daily during bedtime.

Guggul is a widely popular fat burning agent and a wise solution for obesity cure. The ability of Guggul to combat against obesity is a well established fact. It helps in boosting thyroid gland mechanism, leading to an increase in Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) which is defined as the quantitative value of calories that one burns at rest.

Ayurvedic Exercise

The exercises are referred to as asanas in Ayurveda. The most effective asanas used for obesity cure are the asanas from Pawanamuktasana series. It aids in removing excess body fat from abdomen, thighs and hips as well as it vitalizes the life energy at the lower prana point. Utthanpadasana, Chakrapadasana, Pada Sanchalana, and Naukasana are the asanas from Pawanamuktasana series. All of these asanas are beneficial for strengthening abdominal muscles as well as burning excess fat from the body.

1. Prev:Obesity Treatment Centers as an Approach to a Healthier Lifestyle
2. Next:To Combat Obesity Epidemic, Live Healthy, Eat Healthy and Exercise More