Anorexia nervosa is a psychological testing disorder defined by very low body weight relative to the stature. This disease results in low body mass index. This leads to extreme weight loss or gain and distorts perception of self-made and body.
This disease is suffered by both men and women and it exemplifies a thin figure with abnormal eating habits or patterns. Anorexia also refers to self-starvation and lack of appetite for food. It is not a simple disorder and has many symptoms and effects which can be quiet complex.
In Ayurvedic terms, anorexia is caused due to three hundred Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. It means it’s caused by an aggravation of Vatta, pitta and Kapha doshas which leads to psychological factors like fear, anger and stress. This then leads to indigestion of food. In Ayurvedic terms, this results in the formation of ama i.e. mucus. This disorder is a resultant of incomplete food digestion which forms ama toxins in the body. This ama blocks the gastrointestinal channels of the body and affects the sense of taste as well in an individual.
The person suffering from this disorder may face any one of the following symptoms:
- Dieting despite being under weight
- Obsessed about calories and fats
- Avoiding eating with random excuses
- Drastic weight loss
- Vomiting after meals
- Over-exercising
Ayurvedic approach to Anorexia
One of the major symptoms of indigestible mechanism is called Aruchi. In Ayurveda, it is suggested that food intake should be done when a person feels hungry especially in a clean, comfortable and relaxed environment. This then helps in keeping mind happy and free from any feeling of anger or fear.
Symptoms of Aruchi are loss of sense of interest in food or willfully not wanting to eat. This leads to behavioral changes as well. Jataragni which is digestive fire causes change of food into assailable forms. Jataragni results in production of ama which is partial digestion of food with toxic elements. This ultimately results in blockage of channels or srothas in Ayurvedic terms that carry nutrients and life force
Various types of ayurvedic forms for Anorexia:
- Vataja Aruchi: this created an astringent or harsh taste in the mouth. Small doses of Anuvasana vasti or medicated enema can be helpful
- Paittik Aruchi: This means there is a bitter or sour taste in the mouth. Virechana Karma or medicated purgation can be used to feel better
- Kaphaja Aruchi: in this there is a feeling of loss of appetite and sweet taste in the mouth. Medicated vomiting is one of the cure to feel better
- Sannipathaja Aruchi: this disorder is a mixed symptom of all the three about type of aruchis. Medication is taken based on the symptoms which should be used carefully post consulting with a physician
- Agantuja Aruchi: in this disorder, Vatha doshas is very predominant and should be analyzed. The best therapy is to keep the person happy which ultimately elevates the self-confidence and helps in curing Anorexia
Staying healthy is vital. Therefore, you must take preventative and curative measures to cure Anorexia.