Ayurveda FAQ: Obesity
Q: What is the Ayurvedic perspective on the "obesity epidemic"?
A: The "obesity epidemic" is a culturally-created phenomenon.
In the Ayurvedic framework, obesity is recognized as a symptom of an underlying problem, rather than the cause of disease as it is currently perceived in allopathic medicine. An Ayurvedic practitioner evaluates obesity based on individual factors rather than the body-mass index (BMI). I have done much writing about how the BMI is very poor science, so I won't bore you by rehashing that here.
When evaluating "obesity", an Ayurvedic practitioner seeks answers to several questions such as: Does the individual's current weight match with the body profile of their dominant dosha? Is the weight proportionally distributed on the body? Is the person carrying too much weight for their frame, as evidenced by joint problems that developed after the weight gain or decreased mobility? Are there diagnostic indicators in the pulse, face, tongue, or fingernails showing underlying health issues related to obesity?
After investigating any causes of obesity, the Ayurvedic practitioner will devise a treatment plan to address the underlying problem. Ayurvedic practitioners do not recommend crash diets, as they are much more harmful than helpful. Crash-dieting shocks the internal organs and can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Dieting also typically results in the individual gaining back more weight than they originally had, because it creates metabolic disorders that ultimately cause weight gain. Rather than extreme dieting and exercise programs, the Ayurvedic practitioner works with the individual to create gradual shifts in dietary habits and exercise practices. Since everyone doesn't have the same dosha, there is no single diet or exercise program that is good for everyone. We also need to remember that, since everyone's dosha is different, our bodies should reflect our dominant dosha. Not everyone can be healthy while exemplifying the athletic Pitta body, and everyone is most beautiful when they are healthy. 🌻
~ To schedule an appointment with Michelle Garber to create your personalized dosha-balancing wellness program, contact her directly: [email protected]
~ For more information about Michelle Garber and her work, visit www.michelleayurveda.com
~Learn about Swami Tirtha and his work at: http://thehipgurusguide.com