The prevalence and rise in the number of people suffering from chronic health conditions globally has sharply grown. From autoimmune disorders and diabetes to obesity and arthritis, chronic conditions significantly affect the quality of life of those suffering.
The growing number of people suffering from chronic disorders has placed a substantial strain on the healthcare systems and resources. The figures of deaths in India and across the world accounted for by diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases are alarming.
These NCDs (non-communicable diseases) are a leading cause of death. Obesity is a global endemic that has increased the instances of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Recently, many have turned to Ayurveda to address this health crisis mainly because of its distinctive perspective of balancing the body’s doshas and integrating it with simple lifestyle practices.
Ayurveda as a holistic therapy
Ayurveda is a healing system that encompasses the body, mind, and spirit. It emphasizes lifestyle management to treat health conditions. AThe system of medicines provides a personalised approach to address the imbalances. When the Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas are not in balance, the body can develop chronic illness.
Healing this imbalance involves detoxification, improvement in digestion and stress reduction strategies. A person with a Vata imbalance can have warm and moist foods while a person with Pitta imbalance can have cooling and calming foods.
Chronic health conditions are the result of internal and external factors that result in toxin (Ama) build-up and reduced digestive fire (Agni) according to Ayurveda. Physiological influences, genetic predispositions and environmental factors contribute to the development of chronic conditions. Chronic illness is attributed to a lack of energy. Improper lifestyle habits can cause toxins to build up.
What are chronic health conditions?
Let us understand chronic illnesses – those that last a long time, often a lifetime. They are most often autoimmune like neurological conditions, chronic pain and metabolic imbalances. Chronic conditions differ from acute conditions as their symptoms are persistent leaving the patient in pain, emotional pressure and social reclusiveness.
Globally, it is noticed that chronic conditions are a major issue as they are prolonged and require continual medical attention. Ayurveda has been effective in treating chronic health conditions at a nascent stage and they can be prevented from worsening. It goes to the root of a problem and treats it rather than suppressing the symptoms.
Today’s fast-paced life, dietary and activity changes, have given rise to increasing prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Obesity and smoking are associated with these conditions. The incidences of diabetes have also sharply risen.
Such chronic health conditions have to be managed with a strict diet lest it affect other organs like the eyes, heart, nerves and kidneys. Arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can be managed with an early diagnosis and treatment therapy.
Rheumatoid arthritis results in inflamed joints and degenerated joint cartilage. Patients suffering from this chronic condition suffer swelling and pain resulting in reduced joint mobility.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are mostly treated with immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the symptoms. However, as per Ayurveda, the gut and lifestyle will need rectification to address the malfunctioning immune system. Various herbs such as Maricha, Shunthi, Saindhav Lavan, Pippali and Haritaki can reduce the toxin build-up.
Ayurvedic herbs such as Vasa, Guggulu, Neem, Guduchi and Patola Patra help rectify metabolism. It is important to boost Ojas to provide the immune system with nourishment. The immune system is then corrected by calming and nourishing it.
Asthma
Asthmatic patients suffer from recurrent bouts of wheezing and breathlessness. Asthma is usually associated with irritants and allergens. While steroids and inhalers are prescribed to patients, the patient suffers a reduced quality of life.
Ayurveda incorporates herbs like cardamom, licorice, Tulsi, Pippali, cinnamon and Vasaka to relieve airway blockage and congestion. Incorporating herbal teas, warm soups and cooked vegetables can also help.
It’s also important to follow regular mealtimes. Avoid smoke, pollution, pollen and dust to avoid triggers. Certain yoga postures and pranayama can strengthen respiratory muscles and open the chest.
Chronic Gut Issues
Treating gut-related and digestive issues involves the incorporation of a wholesome diet along with a healthy daily routine, exercise and medicines (if necessary). The diet aligns with the body constitution (Prakriti), health conditions and Dosha imbalances.
Ayurvedic treatments to treat chronic conditions
Following Ayurvedic practices can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent disease progression. Ayurvedic treatments begin with identifying the Dosha (body energy) imbalance in the body. With therapies, oils and diet correction, Ayurveda helps treat anti-inflammatory conditions to manage chronic health conditions.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a detoxification therapy that helps remove toxins and rejuvenate the body. This five-pronged specialized treatment encompasses therapeutic oil enemas (Basti), massage with herbal oils (Abhyanga), herbal steam practice (Swedana), purgation (Virechana), and Nasya (nasal medication).
Panchkarma prevents tissue damage and prevents recurrence of autoimmune disorders.
Lifestyle routines
Ayurvedic regimen involves Dinacharya (daily routine) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen). These encompass:
- Waking up before sunrise
- Tongue scraping and oil pulling
- Abhyanga or self-massage
- Yoga
- Breathing exercises (pranayama)
- Meditation
- Retiring early at night
Following a routine consistently helps strengthen the mind-body connection and lower stress levels.
Benefits of following an Ayurvedic way of life
Ayurveda emphasizes mindful eating. You should avoid overeating and distractions during mealtimes. The lifestyle and diet can be modified as per the season and also the Prakriti of the person.
The usage of oils helps in lubricating joints and can assist those suffering from arthritis. Good sleep hygiene can also go a long way in keeping several chronic conditions at bay. Meditative practices help strengthen the mind-body connection and lower the stress levels.
A calm mind can handle the stresses associated with the fast-paced lifestyle of today.
If you need any help with your diet or health conditions, reach out to us anytime!