Lose weight, the vedic way

Time to shed your woollens - and excess winter weight, too!

As the weather improves and you shed layers of clothing, it might be the perfect time to do away with the extra fat you might have accumulated enjoying rich winter food. A number of ayurvedic procedures can help you lose weight healthily.

Swedhan
This is the ayur-vedic system of giving steam to the body that helps open pores and allows them to sweat. As the steam raises the temperature, it results in enhanced circulation to the skin. This procedure dispels toxins through sweating. Swedhan therapy helps relieve the body of water. It works well for people who suffer from arthritis. Herbal steam therapy is also excellent to cure vata disorders and stress-related obesity. Steam also relaxes the nerves and can help you sleep better.

Udhawartanam

Natural Herbs: Remedies such as amla juice and ginger decoctions help slash the fat

This ayurvedic medicated massage therapy helps the body accelerate sluggish lymph circulation, release toxins from fat cells and push them to the lymphatic drainage systems. In Udhawartanam, herbal dry powders are used. These assist the body to boost lymphatic circulation and remove the orange peel kind of fat deposits. It is particularly effective to fight obesity when combined with nutrition therapy and ayurvedic herbs.

Vasti Karma
This is the process of giving medicated enemas to a person, which release the blocked gasses of the large intestine and opens natural nutritive channels. Vata imbalances can lead to polycystic ovary problems, weight gain and joint pains. It is an effective procedure to treat obesity caused by vata blockages, excessive consumption of gassy foods or stale food.

Magic herbs
There are a number of mild herbs and medicines which, when used correctly, can help the body lose weight in a natural and scientific way without side effects. Ayurveda advises the use of certain types of gugguls and liver-detoxifying herbs. Some of the home remedies include a ginger decoction consumed twice a day; one teaspoon of amla juice taken once a day with lukewarm water and a cinnamon decoction consumed two to three times a day.

Get a good rub: Ayurvedic massages fight obesity when combined with nutrition therapy and medicinal herbs

The science of ayurveda has worked successfully in healing and wellness for thousands of years. Adopting some of its principles can help us lead a better life.

From HT Brunch, January 27