E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

lifestyle disorders

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 10 OCTOBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ayurvedic approach to managing lifestyle disorders

Angmo D1*, Rajpurohit R2, Srivastava AK3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.10.19

1* Dichen Angmo, Second Year Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Rog Nidan Evam Vikriti Vigyan, RGGPG Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola Distt Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.

2 Ranu Rajpurohit, Second Year Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Rog Nidan Evam Vikriti Vigyan, RGGPG Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola Distt Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.

3 Akhilesh Kumar Srivastava, Professor, Dept of Rog Nidan Evam Vikriti Vigyan, RGGPG Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola Distt Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Illnesses associated with a certain lifestyle are referred to as lifestyle illnesses. The biggest obstacles to a healthy existence are altered lifestyle choices brought about by a more sedentary way of living, work demands, and competitive living. Diseases known as lifestyle disorders are not spread from person to person or from environment to person, rather, they are brought on by unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking, binge drinking, poor diet, poor eating habits, inactivity, insomnia, and psychological stress. Ayurveda is a holistic science. Its primary goal is to keep healthy people healthy, and its secondary goal is to treat sick people. The primary lifestyle ailments are cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, PCOS, and hypertension. In India, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for more than 60% of all fatalities annually. Around the world, lifestyle disorders claim the lives of 38 million people annually, but in India, one in four people are at risk of developing one. Ayurvedic regimens such as Panchakarma treatment, Rasayana therapy, Sadvritta Palan, Ritucharya, Dinacharya (daily routines), and Panchakarma therapy might help avoid lifestyle disorders. Ayurvedic regimens all try to create optimal balance in addition to treating individual illnesses of the body. For this reason, when it comes to treating a multifaceted illness like lifestyle disease, it performs better than traditional medications.

Keywords: Lifestyle disorder, Rasayana, Dinacharya, Ritucharya

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Dichen Angmo, Second Year Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Rog Nidan Evam Vikriti Vigyan, RGGPG Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola Distt Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Angmo D, Rajpurohit R, Srivastava AK, Ayurvedic approach to managing lifestyle disorders. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(10):119-122.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3653

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-12-13 2024-09-23 2024-10-02 2024-10-12 2024-10-22
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 12.19

© 2024by Angmo D, Rajpurohit R, Srivastava AKand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(10)119
Dichen Angmo et al. Ayurvedic approach to managing lifestyle disorders

Introduction

Diseases that are mostly caused by a person's everyday activities as a result of an unsuitable interaction with their environment are known as lifestyle illnesses. As per Ayurveda, lifestyle disorders can be caused by either an increase or reduction in Dosha, or by Pragyaparadha (intellectual defect) or Asatmya Indyartha Samyoga (unhealthy sensory perception), which leads to disharmony in the body. Lifestyle disorders are a type of illness that cannot be spread from person to person or from environment to person. Instead, they are brought on by unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking, binge drinking, poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, insomnia, psychological stress, and poor diet. Traya-Upastambha, or Aahar, Nidra, and Brahmacharya, might help accomplish Ayurveda's primary goal, Swasthyasya Swastha Rakshanam Aturasya Vikara Prashmnam Cha ||

Aahar has been listed first among the Traya-Upastambha, indicating its significance for a person's healthy existence. Depending on how we eat the different types of Aahar and Aahar Matra, our bodies build differently, and various lifestyle problems can be caused by Dincharya, Ritucharya, and Sadvrita. However, in the current period, everyone is engaged in competitive racing, disregarding social norms, eating at irregular times, and leading an aggressive lifestyle that negatively impacts both the body and Prakriti, ultimately leading to Dosha Vaisamyata.

If an unhealthy lifestyle continues to exist, it can result in problems of the body's channels (Stroto dusti), impaired digestion and metabolism (Agni Bala Vaisamyata), impaired mental state (harassment of Satva), and other sorts of lifestyle illnesses. Good interventions mentioned in classical ayurvedic texts to prevent and manage Doshadhatu Vaisamya and Dhatu Dusti Gat Roga as lifestyle disorders consist of Ahar-Vihar's dietary management, Panchakarma's Sansodhan Upkrama, Rasayana's Sanshman Upkrama, Daivya Vyapashraya, and Satvavjaya, following with Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Sadvrita, and Achar Rasayana.

Aim and Objective

Prevention and management of lifestyle disorder through Ayurveda.

Causes of life style disorder

A person with an unhealthy diet is not getting enough nutrients in any form, and they are more susceptible to lifestyle-related illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. A significant problem that the modern world faces is the deficiency of natural light and air. An individual's vulnerability to lifestyle diseases is believed to be influenced by their diet and lifestyle choices. Dietary imbalances may be the cause of lifestyle illnesses. A person may become trapped in a lifestyle issue if their eating patterns are linked to overindulging in fatty and sugary foods, missing meals, or overeating.

Various Aaharaja and Viharaja Vidan that causes lifestyle disorders are:

1. Aaharaja Nidan: Atiruksh, Atisnigdh, Gurubhojan, Ajeeransan, Vishmasan, and Asatmyabhojan.
2. Viharaja Nidan: Vegavidharan, Ratrijagran, Diwaswapana, Langhan
3. Mansik Nidan: Dvesh, Krodh, Bhaya, Shok

Management of life style disorder

Management through Aahara:

Ayurveda refers to Aahar as Mahabhaishajya and considers it to be Prana. In addition to promoting lifespan and providing essential nutrients, Aahar is also in charge of Bala, Varna, Upachya, and other things. Lolimbaraj asserts that medication is useless when a person follows the incorrect diet and that there is no need for medication while following the right diet. According to the Sushruta Samhita, Sankshepta Kriya Yoga Nidan Parivarjanam is the remedy for illness. Acharya Charak says that food should be eaten at Aahar Matra. For Aahar Matra, the capacity to digest food is essential. The amount of food that is adequately absorbed and digested without disturbing the body's Dosha and Dhatu balance is referred to as Aahar Matra. Two types of Aahar, namely Guru Aahar and Laghu Aahar, were described by Acharya Charaka. This does not imply that food's lightness and heaviness are interchangeable. Actually, Laghu Aahar is more prevalent in Vayu and Agni qualities, whereas Guru Aahar is more prevalent in Prthivi and Soma qualities. This is why the digestive stimulant Laghu Aahar causes very little disruption even when administered to saturation.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(10)120
Dichen Angmo et al. Ayurvedic approach to managing lifestyle disorders

Conversely, as a result of their distinctions, the Guru Aahar does not inherently promote digestion and, in excess, can lead to serious derangement unless the user has a robust Agni digestive system and exercises. Agnibala, or the ability to digest, is hence tied to meal quantity.

Management through Vihara:

Various Acharyas have described Dincharya, Ritucharya, and Sadvritta as a part of lifestyle measures for healthy and longevity of life.

Dincharya

Ayurveda advises establishing conscious daily routines, rising early, letting go of instinctive desires, and getting rid of garbage when necessary. When brushing his teeth, he should use soft brushes made of the twigs of plants like Khadira, Karanja, Kakubha, etc. A long, flexible piece of metal or a plant twig should be used to wipe the tongue. It's important to thoroughly clean the mouth. Frequent daily bathing (bathing improves hunger and promotes lifespan), regular massage (Abhyanga), and eating an appropriate and nutritious diet based on appetite and metabolic demands are all beneficial. Ayurveda has also advised against eating stale food and sleeping late. These might cause a long-term imbalance that predisposes to lifestyle problems by upsetting circadian rhythms.

Ritucharya

Apart from the nutritional regimens for days and nights, seasons have been carefully considered in Ayurvedic classics. There are six distinct seasons throughout the year, and each one calls for a certain dietetic plan.

Ritucharya is an essential part of the prevention of many diseases, particularly conditions related to lifestyle. Seasonal Panchakarma, or Basti in Varsha Ritu, Vaman in Vasant Ritu, and Virechana in Sharad Ritu, are recommended by Ayurveda as preventative methods for preserving and enhancing physical and mental health. Haritaki, for instance, has rejuvenating (Rasayana) properties. However, to produce its Rasayana effect, it requires different types of Anupana, or supportive Dravyas, in different seasons. Ritu Haritaki (in various seasons, Haritaki should be consumed with different Anupana).

  • In the Varsha Ritu, take Haritaki together with Saindhava Lavana.
  • Haritaki should be eaten with Sharkara in Sharad Ritu.
  • Ritu Haritaki in Hemanta should be taken with Shunthi.
  • Haritaki should be eaten with Pippali in Shishira Ritu.
  • Haritaki should be consumed with Madhu during the Vasanta
  • In the Grishma Ritu, take Haritaki together with Guda.

Sadvritta and Achara Rasayana

Ayurveda provides a set of ethical guidelines referred to as Sadvritta and Achara Rasayana. The practices of Sadvritta and Achara Rasayana can be divided into four categories: psychological and emotional (try to maintain a steady mental state, i.e., avoid height of emotions, try to avoid memorizing if being insulted by anyone, keep patience, etc.); social (keep mercy on others, tell the truth, avoid alcoholism, be softhearted, always use cleaned and washed clothes); and personal (evaluate excess exertion, avoid suppression of natural urges, bathing, keeping skin clean, etc.). This kind of lifestyle modification is usually beneficial for managing and preventing a variety of lifestyle problems.

Conclusion

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a term used to describe lifestyle diseases that are mostly caused by junk food, inactivity, and other factors. The effectiveness of Ayurveda in treating lifestyle diseases has been demonstrated. The Ayurvedic system clearly defines both physical activity and nutrient-dense diet. The main risk factors for lifestyle illnesses such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and others include unhealthy diets, smoking, inactivity, and stress. In order to best fit patients, Ayurvedic treatment for lifestyle disorders is administered based on each person's unique body constitution, taking into account their medical history, present problems, and responses to prior treatments. All Ayurvedic regimens seek to create healthy balance as well as to counteract certain ailments of body. In modern life, everyone is dealing with some physical, mental, or social problems, but an Ayurvedic lifestyle helps in improving everyone's physical, mental, and social well-being and, in end, heals symptoms.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(10)121
Dichen Angmo et al. Ayurvedic approach to managing lifestyle disorders

Ayurveda provides recommendations for protecting mental health. It follows that the Ayurvedic Aharaj and Viharaj regimen certainly has the capability to prevent a wide range of lifestyle problems with real and practical benefits. According to Ayurveda, life is one of the three main objectives of human existence. Sadvritta and Aachara Rasayana gradually affect affective and psychological behaviors. Following the Dincharya and Ritucharya treatments can help us achieve a happy, healthy, and prosperous life, as well as prevent lifestyle issues.

References

1. Shastri Kashinath, Chaturvedi Gorakhnath edited Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Revised by Charak and Dridhabala, Part 1, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy. Varanasi, Reprint Vimana Sthana, 2020.
2. Shastri Kashinath, Chaturvedi Gorakhnath edited Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Revised by Charak and Dridhabala, Part 2, Chaukhamba Bharati Academy. Varanasi, Reprint Vimana Sthana, 2020.
3. Priyavrat Sharma Carak Samhita (Text with English Translation) Volume-1, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint 2017.
4. Priyavrat Sharma Carak Samhita (Text with English Translation) Volume-2, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint 2017.
5. Tripathy Bramhananda, Ashtanga hridaya, Chaukhamba subharati prakashan uttaratantra chapter Rasayanavidhi Adhyaya, 2014; 39.
6. Bhavamishra Bhavaprakasha (original text along with commentary and translation) Comm. By Dr. Bulususitaram, chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, 2012; 1, 6(2): 8 - 131.
7. Thakkar Jayesh, Chaudhari s, Sarka Prasanta K. Ritucharya: Answer to lifestyle disorders. AYU, 2011; 32 (4): 466471.
8. Vägbhatta, Astanga Hridaya Uttara Tantra, Rasayana Chapter, Choukhamba Publications, Varanasi.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(10)122