Central to its strategy is reducing food intake while increasing energy expenditure to effectively combat and manage obesity. Today, Ayurvedic methods are increasingly recognized as viable options for those seeking remedies for obesity (Sthaulya).
Obesity
Modern medicine defines obesity as a condition where caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure, influenced by genetic, environmental, lifestyle, behavioural, dietary, physical activity, and socio-economic factors. Medical conditions and medications can also contribute to obesity. The underlying pathology involves chronic excess nutrient intake compared to energy expended, typically indicated by a BMI over 30 kg/m², categorized by the WHO into classes 1, 2, and 3.
Atikrisha
Atikrisha, or excessive thinness, described in Ayurvedic texts, reflects a condition where the body weight is below normal and the physique appears leaner than average. Individuals with Atikrisha face several challenges: they struggle with stressful situations, are unable to tolerate strong medications, may experience sexual dysfunction, and are prone to conditions like spleen enlargement, wasting disease, respiratory issues, abdominal tumors, and abdominal tumors. Due to these complexities and social perceptions, Atikrisha is considered undesirable. Treatment principles in Ayurveda focus on selecting foods and activities that are nourishing (Bruhan), light (Laghu), easily digestible (SuPachi), and nourishing (Santarpaniya). The approach to managing Atikrisha, discussed in Charak Samhita's Nanatmaja Vatavyadhi section, parallels treatments for Karshya, a severe form of malnutrition marked by extreme leanness. Ayurvedic therapies for Atikrisha emphasize Apatarpana Chikitsa (emaciation therapy), which includes fasting (Langhana), drying therapies (Rukshana), and fomentation (Swedana). Proper sleep is also crucial, linked by Acharya Charak to happiness, strength, virility, enhanced knowledge, and longevity. Recommendations for managing Atikrisha include daytime naps (Divaswapna), restful sleep on a comfortable bed, mental relaxation, avoiding excessive worry, refraining from strenuous mental and physical activities, and regulating sexual intercourse. Additional therapeutic practices involve the application of unctuous anointing (Snigdha Udvartan),
wearing clean white attire, using perfumes and garlands, consuming sweet and nourishing foods, employing lubricating and sweet enemas, and regularly using rejuvenating (Rasayana) and aphrodisiac (Vajikarana) formulations. These holistic approaches aim to address Atikrisha by balancing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of health.
Emaciation
Atikrisha can be linked to malnutrition, where lack of essential nutrients in daily diet results in weight loss. Alternatively, it may also be associated with eating disorders, depending on specific circum-stances. Treatment approaches differ accordingly: for malnutrition, focus is on providing necessary nutrients; for eating disorders, treatment extends beyond nutritional supplementation to include psychological intervention addressing underlying insecurities of affected individual.
Discussion
If someone has strong muscles, a well-built body, and robust senses, their immune system is usually stronger, making them less prone to infections. They can endure hunger, thirst, heat, cold, and physical activity well because their digestion, nutrient absorption, and muscle function is balanced. Looking at all the conditions listed as Ashtanindita and why they're considered difficult to treat or untreatable, along with their modern interpretations, we see some improvement compared to what Ayurvedic texts describe. There's hope that ongoing research can eventually find solutions for these conditions. Collaboration between modern medicine and Ayurveda, combining their knowledge and sharing ideas, offers a promising opportunity to improve the lives of people suffering from these conditions. Working together, they might discover ways to help these individuals live more normal lives.
Conclusion
In Ayurvedic texts, 'Charakacharya' has delineated eight 'Nindya Prakrities' (undesirable constitutions) based on various body characteristics. These eight despised persons include Atideergha (very tall), Atihriswa (very short stature), Atigaura (very fair-colored or complexion), Atikrishna (very black-colored or complexion), Atiloma (excessive body hairs), Aloma (absence of body hairs),