A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Treatments for Anorexia

There are about 10,200 annual deaths that are the direct result of an eating disorder. Anorexia is one of the most common and it is life-threatening.

Not enough people who suffer from anorexia receive the help they need. If you suffer from anorexia or know someone who does, it’s exciting to find out that there are different options to help you overcome it.

One of those ways is through holistic medicine, specifically Ayurvedic treatments for anorexia. This growing market provides alternative options to traditional Western medicine. Using Ayurvedic treatments, anyone dealing with Anorexia Nervosa can get the help they need.

For anyone who is unfamiliar with holistic medicine, it can be a confusing path to navigate. That’s why it’s important to do the research and see how your quality of life can improve after exploring a more holistic approach.

Curious to know more? Continue reading this comprehensive guide to Ayurvedic treatments for anorexia.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Anorexia

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Indian medical system, one of the oldest in the world. Based on ancient writings, it takes a more natural approach to physical and mental health. The Ayurvedic treatment combines a variety of products as well as lifestyle changes to reach desired results.

In Ayurveda, anorexia is a result of Kapha in the stomach. This is what leads to a loss of appetite. Let’s look at the different treatments under Ayurvedic that can help with Anorexia.

1. Kabala and Gandoosha

Kabala and Gandoosha are also known as oil pulling. Oil pulling is the practice of swishing or holding oils in your mouth for health benefits. The idea is that our mouth is full of bacteria and when we hold certain oils in our mouth, it eliminates impurities.

Anorexia, particularly bulimia, can lead to a myriad of dental problems. Not only can it cause mild symptoms like bad breath but it can also lead to cavities. Oil-pulling helps with Anorexia by cleaning out the toxins in your mouth, and can also stimulate your appetite.

2. Deepana and Pachana

At the core of Ayurvedic treatment is Deepana and Pachana which focus on balancing the digestive system. Anorexia is considered a disturbance in the digestive system, it creates ama (mucus) that impedes the sense of taste.

So what is Deepana / Pachana? They’re herbs and diet that help digest the ama and heal the digestive system. Often Deepana and Pachana are the first steps before undergoing the Panchakarma procedure. It clears the digestive system from toxins.

If you suffer from Anorexia, starting with herbs that clear your digestive system of toxins is the first step toward improvement.

3. Abhyanga

Abhyanga is a massage done with warm oils. This is applied to your entire body, from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. This has been practised for thousands of years.

So how is Abhyanga a good treatment for Anorexia? One of the causes of Anorexia is stress, which can worsen an existing loss of appetite. Abhyanga is used to dramatically reduce stress levels and lower heart rate.

Essentially, it is an elevated version of traditional massages. Along with reducing stress, it also improves skin health and reduces muscle stiffness.

4. Shirodhara

Shirodhara is the technique of having someone pour liquid on your forehead. Usually, the liquid is herbal oil, or herbal decoctions. This is sometimes combined with abhyanga or other massages.

Shirodhara is one of the practices used to treat the psychological effects of anorexia. It is an additional stress relieving option that creates a harmonious state.

5. Panchakarma-Virechana

Virechana is part of Panchakarma therapy. Panchakarma uses drug-induced purging to eliminate toxins from the body. You might be wondering how this is beneficial when a lot of the negative side effects from Anorexia come from purging.

With Virechana, it’s different. Oftentimes when there is purging from sickness, there is a loss of electrolytes and weakness. The dehydration that comes from your body quickly releasing things in a harsh manner is unpleasant.

With Virechana, these side effects are milder or less present. Virechana is a controlled process that helps with Anorexia by removing toxins from the body through purging. This is done in centres using a proper Ayurveda practitioner.

6. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications

The Ayurvedic diet emphasizes better health for your body but also your mind. According to Ayurveda, there are five elements that make up the universe: air, water, space, fire, and earth.

Each of these forms three different doshas which are defined as energies in your body. The Ayurvedic diet focuses on what you should be eating based on your dosha. Once your dosha is figured out, specific dietary guidelines are set.

All three of the doshas differ in what foods to emphasize or limit (like avoiding nuts and favouring fruit for one dosha but not the other). All three encourage the consumption of whole foods.

This diet assists with anorexia by providing a controlled dietary guideline that favours healthy food. This results in mindfulness and balance in the body.

7. Herbs

Below is a list of herbs that have been proven to aid with Anorexia. Incorporating them into your daily routine is the best way to radically improve your overall health.

• Pippali
  • Closely related to black pepper, aids with digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems.

• Ashwagandha
  • Mainly used to manage stress and anxiety.

• Sunti
  • Also known as ginger, wonderful for the stomach and digestion.

• Hingu
  • Known to help respiratory disorders and improve appetite.

• Talisa
  • Talisa is anti-inflammatory and aids in breathing.

• Cumin
  • A delicious spice that contains antioxidants.

• Saindhava
  • Saindhava is often used to treat kidney disorders.

• Lavana
  • Known as rock salt, it aids in digestion and helps boost your metabolism.

The First Steps to Health

Anorexia Nervosa is a serious illness that too many people suffer from. If you’re one of those people and you feel like there are few options for treatment, don’t despair. One of the hidden gems in holistic medicine is Ayurveda.

There are many Ayurvedic treatments for Anorexia. The umbrella of Ayurveda is large and several factors are combined to create a customized approach to healing.

If you’re looking to get on the right path and located in Melbourne, consider an Ayurvedic consultation with us!

• February 8, 2021
• 0 Comments
•  General Latest Blog Our Blog
• Dr. Stomy Jose