Underweight women often have problems conceiving, they are prone to spontaneous abortion, breast cancer, arthritis, hair loss, lung infections, weakened immune system and other diseases for which one of the main causes is exactly the low weight.
Poor digestion is one of the main reasons for the inability to gain weight. The stomach, bile and pancreas have to function properly in order to be able to digest food so that it can be properly absorbed by the organism.
weight gain would be approached by taking attention into the individual’s constitution (dosha), current health status, and any underlying imbalances.
Weight gain through Ayurveda
- Assessment: Thorough consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner. During this consultation, the practitioner would evaluate the individual’s (prakriti) and imbalances (vikriti) through various methods like nadi pariksha, observation, and detailed questioning about diet, lifestyle, and medical history.
- Dosha Balancing: Based on the assessment, the practitioner would plan a personalized treatment to balance the doshas and any specific imbalances contributing to low weight. This may involve dietary changes, lifestyle changes, herbal medications, and therapies to the individual’s needs.
- Dietary Recommendations: This might include combining healthy fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and nutrient-rich foods into the diet while avoiding processed and junk foods.
- Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs and herbal formulations known for their ability to support digestion, metabolism, and weight gain. Common herbs used for this purpose include Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Vidari Kanda, Guduchi, and Triphala, among others.
- Therapies: Depending on the individual’s needs, the practitioner may recommend Ayurvedic therapies to support weight gain, such as Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), Swedana (herbal steam therapy), or Panchakarma . These help to balance the doshas, improve digestion, and improve overall well-being.
- Lifestyle Modifications: This might include establishing regular meal times, getting proper rest and sleep, managing stress through practices like yoga and meditation, and including physical activity suitable for the individual’s constitution.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: The practitioner would assess changes in weight, energy levels, digestion, and overall well-being to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
Ayurvedic approaches to weight gain aim to promote entire well-being and sustainable, long-term health.