Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy for Metabolic Disorders

By Dr. Nutan Pakhare

Metabolism is the medical term used to denote the chemical process of catabolism and anabolism. Catabolism means the breaking down of the cells. Anabolism means the construction of cells.

To facilitate this process of metabolism various enzymes work as a catalyst. During the process of metabolism useful and nutritious part has been absorbed in the body and avoidable part has been removed out from the system. Therefore it benefits to maintain an equilibrium and enable all organs to work energetically to lead a healthy life.

According to Ayurveda Principle when a person follows the rules and regulation of food intake it enables to maintain homodynamic balance in Tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha).  Tridosha allows the digestive fire to work efficiently, transforming the extract of food particles into the Rasadi seven dhatus. The leftover part of food has been wipe out out from the body in the form of three mala (Stool, Urine and Sweat).

When Dosha, Dhatu and Mala functions in the body harmoniously then the body, mind, sense organs and soul reflects happiness. This is stable state of body and pleasant state of mind denotes Health. It also means that unstable state of body and unpleasant state of mind denotes disease.

In disease stage imbalance dosha vitiates mainly digestive fire and responsible for the formation of “Aaam” (half-digested food toxins) in the body. These toxins get circulated all over the body parts however it may get stuck at weakest organs and manifest later the respective disease signs and symptoms. If one treats those symptoms immediately, one can break the chain of progress of the disease and its spread. With following the code of conducts regarding food, rest and lifestyle one can restores the health. If one incapable to recognize the initial signs and symptoms of disease then the disease may get progressed and reach to the final stage of manifesting with full-fledged form where treatment becomes difficult. Then one has to go through the long term therapy and continuous support of medications along with following food and lifestyle conducts to survive and recover from the ill health.

Metabolic disorders include a group of multiple diseases. Since our body systems work together with mutual coordination, when one gets weaker it impacts the function of another system as well.

Hypertension, Obesity, Diabetes mellitus and Thyroid disorders etc. come under this category. They are responsible for each other.

1- Hypertension and Heart Disease

Hypertension is the metabolic disorder in which the blood pressure increased due to the force exerted on the walls of the arteries. If not treated it may develop heart disease.

Hypertension is popular as a silent killer. It means one can hardly get signs and symptoms due to this disease. However, following some signs may get ignored easily by us in day to day life. Such as

  • Headache
  • Breathlessness
  • Stress
  • Palpitation

Causes

  • Stress and insomnia
  • Kidney disease
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Diabetes
  • Irregular diet and lifestyle

Ayurveda Therapy –Medication to be taken under expert guidance.

  • Nidan parivarjan – Stay away from the causes of the disease
  • Medicines- Arjun Ghan Vati or Arjunadi Kwath 4tsf twice a day with warm water.
  • Ayurveda Therapy – Hrudbasti, Shirodhara, Shiroabhynga and Padabhyanga helpful to restores mental health and stimulate circulation.

Yoga Therapy

Loosening warm practice –Sukshma Vyayam and Joints movements

Kriya-

  • Jalaneti
  • Kapalbhati

Asana

  • Tadasana
  • Ardha Chakrasana
  • Veerasana
  • Kativakrasana
  • Shavasana
  • Bhujangasana

Contraindications –Topsy turvey asana like Shoulder or head stand

Deep Breathing

Pranayama- 10- 15 -20 rounds (as per your capacity)

Anulom Vilom, Bhramari and Sheetali Pranayama               

Concentration followed by Meditation Yoga nidra

 

2- Obesity – Obesity is the metabolic chronic disorder in which the amount of body fat increased due to the imbalance in the metabolism.

Signs and Symptoms –

  • Overweight
  • Breathlessness
  • Stress
  • BMI (Body Mass Index) increases –It is calculated by weight in kilograms (kg) divided by height in meter squared. Normal BMI ranges from 18 – 25. Above 25 indicates Obesity except for an athlete’s body.

Causes

  • Genetic factors
  • Inactivity
  • Thyroid Or Kaphaja Prameha(Diabetes in which weight increases) dysfunction
  • Irregular diet and lifestyle
  • Stress and insomnia
  • Certain medications like steroid etc.
  • Pregnancy and not following postnatal rituals

Ayurveda Therapy –Medication to be taken under expert guidance.

  • Stay away from the causes of the disease
  • Ayurveda treatment- Medari kwath 4tsf twice a day with warm water.
  • Ayurveda Therapy –Udvartan (Body massage with fat reducing powder)

Herbal Steam, Seasonal Panchakarma

Yoga Therapy

Loosening warm practice – Sun salutation

 Joints and neck movements

Kriya-

  • Vaman Dhauti
  • Kapalbhati

Asana

  • Trikonasana
  • Matsyasana
  • Paschimottanasana
  • Ushtrsana,
  • Dhanurasana
  • Shavasana

Deep Breathing,

Pranayama- 10- 15 -20 rounds (as per your capacity)

Suryabhedan, Bhastrika and Bhramari

Concentration followed by Meditation

 

3- Diabetes Mellitus – Diabetes is the metabolic disorder in which the amount of sugar in the blood increased due to the imbalance function of pancrease and its endocrine secretion. Insulin and glucagon hormones are mainly responsible to maintain the adequate amount of sugar in the circulatory system.

Causes –The causes of diabetes should be understood based on its following types-:

  • Type 1 Diabetes –Genetic or insulin deficiency or autoimmune reactions
  • Type 2 Diabetes –Lifestyle disorders lack activities, ageing, High BP, Stress and insomnia, certain medications like steroid etc.
  • Gestational Diabetes – This occurs in a woman during pregnancy and not following antenatal pregnancy care

Ayurveda Therapy –Medication to be taken under expert guidance.

  • Nidan parivarjan – Stay away from the causes of the disease
  • Ayurveda medicines-Vasanatakusumakar Vati and Arogyavardhini Vati   2 tab twice a day with warm water.Other medications can be Triphala tablets or Shilajit Vati
  • Food –uses of Neem, Turmeric, Fenugreek, Amalaki and Bitter Gourd ET
  • Therapy – Udvartan (Body massage with fat reducing powder) Herbal Steam, Seasonal Panchakarma, Nasya, Padabhyanga to eliminates toxins and stimulate body systems to function well towards wellness,

Yoga Therapy

Loosening warm practice – Sun salutation, Sukshma Vyayama, Neck movements-Brahma mudra

Kriya-

  • Vaman Dhauti(once a week)
  • Kapalbhati
  • Nauli
  • Uddiyaan Bandha
  • Shankhaprakshalana (once a year)

Asana

  • Ardhamatsyendrasana
  • Shashank asana
  • Paschimottanasana
  • Vakrasana
  • Shalabhasana
  • Dhanurasana

Deep Breathing,

Pranayama- 10- 15 -20 rounds (as per your capacity)

Suryabhedan, Bhastrika and Bhramari

Concentration followed by meditation

Disclaimer: Therapies and treatments should be taken under the guidance of a qualifies therapist / practising doctor only.