Anorexia Nervosa

Often called anorexia – is an eating disorder characterised by the loss of desire to have food even when one is hungry. This condition can arise due to a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and wrong eating patterns. In this condition, a person has no appetite for food due to indigestion or psychological causes.

What causes Anorexia?

1. Psychological – Emotional disturbances
2. Environmental- Sports professionals, stage performers, etc
3. Sex – Females who worried about their shape
4. Age- Adolescents are more vulnerable

SYMPTOMS

1. Unexpected and rapid weight loss
2. Hair loss
3. Abnormal blood counts
4. Osteoporosis
5. Depression
6. Low blood pressure
7. Lack of emotions
8. Absence of mensuration (amenorrhea)

AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO ANOREXIA

Anorexia is a symptom of a defective digestive mechanism. It is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. Ayurveda suggests that food should be taken when feeling hungry in a relaxed, comfortable, and clean environment with a happy mind and free from grief, anger, fear, etc. Digestive fire or Jathragani causes the transformation of food into assimilable forms. Good digestive fire gives good taste and hunger. Impaired digestive fire or Jathragani results in the production of ama or partially digested food with toxic nature. Ama results in blockage of the gastrointestinal channel of the body and life force.

At PRANAVA KERALA AYURVEDA CLINIC, as every individual has a distinct body balance of three humors (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), we make suggestions regarding nutritional guidelines and lifestyle to recover. The treatment constitutes external therapies, herbs, and changes to your diet and lifestyle.

EXTERNAL THERAPIES

1. Abhyanga(whole-body massage) – the oil for massage is also selected according to the body type and associated ailments.
2. Shirodhara- it is one of the Ayurvedic therapies that can be used to treat psychological causes of anorexia.
3. Navarakizhi  (pindasweda)
4. Panchakarma (detox) treatments such as Vamanam, Virechanam, Nasayam

USEFUL HERBS

Internal medicine in the form of herbs is prescribed which are easily available at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic such as Ashwagandha, black pepper, Jeerakadyarishtam, Avipathi powder, Guluchadi Kashyam, Yograja Guggulu, etc. (Only take medicines under the guidance of an Ayurvedic Doctor)

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

Do’s

• Physically active lifestyle.
• Food intake in stipulated time and avoid snacks in between regular food.
• Easily digestible food

Dont’s

• Unwholesome diet and habits.
• Heavy digesting food.
• Food of incompatible combinations
• Milk & curd • Suppression of natural urges or vegas.
• Stress-inducing surroundings such as fear, anger, and grief.
• Cold food.

Anorexia is a serious illness that can be fatal if not taken care of in time.