🍽️ Eating Disorders: An Ayurvedic and Modern Approach at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

🧭 Introduction

Eating disorders, known as Aharaja Vikara (disorders of food) in Ayurveda, are complex mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits and distorted body image. At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we offer a holistic approach to managing eating disorders, integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern medical and psychological interventions.

🧠 Understanding Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve severe disturbances in eating behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Common types include:

  • Anorexia Nervosa

  • Bulimia Nervosa

  • Binge-Eating Disorder

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, eating disorders are attributed to imbalances in Rajas and Tamas gunas, along with doshic and mental channel disturbances:

  • Rajas and Tamas Vriddhi: Obsessive thoughts, emotional instability.

  • Vata Prakopa: Anxiety, erratic eating.

  • Pitta Prakopa: Digestive/metabolic imbalance.

  • Manovaha Srotas Dushti: Distorted body image, mental imbalance.

  • Agni Mandya: Weak digestion and metabolism.

🧬 Modern Medical Causes

  • Genetic Predisposition: Family history of eating disorders.

  • Psychological Factors: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem.

  • Social Factors: Cultural/media pressure, body ideals.

  • Biological Factors: Neurochemical imbalances.

  • Trauma: Past abuse or emotional trauma.

🚨 Signs and Symptoms of Aharaja Vikara

Anorexia Nervosa

  • Restriction of food intake

  • Intense fear of gaining weight

  • Low body weight, body dysmorphia

Bulimia Nervosa

  • Binge eating followed by purging

  • Excessive exercise or laxatives

  • Guilt and body image concerns

Binge-Eating Disorder

  • Recurrent binge episodes

  • No purging behaviors

  • Feelings of shame and distress

Other Symptoms

  • Weight/eating habit fluctuations

  • Weakness, fatigue, digestive issues

  • Emotional imbalance, social withdrawal

🧘 Ayurvedic Approach to Management

A holistic healing plan focuses on mind-body nourishment and balance:

  • Sattvavajaya Chikitsa: Mental purification via counseling, meditation

  • Dosha Balancing: Correcting Vata, Pitta, Rajas/Tamas imbalances

  • Agni Deepana: Digestive fire stimulation

  • Rasayana Therapies: Mind-body rejuvenation

  • Dinacharya & Ritucharya: Healthy routines

💆 Key Ayurvedic Therapeutic Interventions

  • Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Calms nerves

  • Shirodhara (Forehead oil therapy): Reduces stress

  • Nasya (Nasal therapies): Enhances clarity

  • Yoga & Meditation: Boosts holistic well-being

  • Herbal Remedies: Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Triphala, Shatavari

🏥 Modern Medical Treatments at Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital

We provide an integrated set of modern therapies:

  • Psychotherapy: CBT, family-based therapy

  • Nutritional Counseling: Balanced dietary guidance

  • Medical Monitoring: For complications and vitals

  • Support Groups: Community healing and education

🔄 Integration of Approaches at Yogakshema

Ayurvedic therapies complement modern treatment through:

  • Stress relief

  • Improved digestion

  • Lifestyle corrections

  • Long-term symptom control

🧩 Customization of Treatment

Each treatment plan is individualized based on:

  • Dosha constitution

  • Symptom severity

  • Psychological profile

  • Lifestyle habits

🌈 Advantages of Our Approach

  • Holistic care: physical + mental + emotional

  • Reduces risk of relapse

  • Combines best of Ayurveda & modern medicine

  • Personalized attention and planning

🏥 Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital: Your Destination for Holistic Healthcare

We offer compassionate, integrative care to help individuals with eating disorders achieve balance, recovery, and lasting health.