Weight control through the power of nature

What does healthy weight mean to you? How do you feel in your own skin? In a world dominated by one-dimensional ‘beauty standards’, we often have a misguided idea of what constitutes a ‘normal’ and healthy weight. We often see the ‘banner of diversity and inclusion’, yet the media and online platforms all communicate one possible version of how we should look.

Such a narrow interpretation of “body ideals” leads to unrealistic expectations, which affects our healthy self-image, self-esteem and general well-being. This affects everyone, regardless of gender or age, to some degree. Ayurveda offers a much broader and novel (albeit ancient) perspective on weight adjustment, emphasising individuality and balance.

Prakriti and optimal body weight

At the heart of ayurveda lays the recognition of the individual body constitution, the so-called Prakriti. The structure of the body is determined by the balance of the five elements (fire, water, earth, wind, ether) that make up the doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. This ancient wisdom understands that each person is unique, and that different doshas have different physical builds and characteristics associated with them. Thus, the ideal and healthy body weight is different for each of us.

Vata individuals tend to have a thinner build, Pitta individuals are of medium build, and Kapha individuals are typically strong, stocky builds. This recognition in itself challenges the prevailing idea of standardised beauty. It encourages us to embrace our natural body size as determined by our unique dosha composition.

Weight control through the Ayurvedic perspective

Ayurveda looks at our health in context, taking into account both the external factors and our internal (determined and influenced by us) physical, mental and emotional state. Our basic body structure is formed at birth, but the balance of our energies is constantly changing. If you are not yet aware of your Ayurvedic body constitution or would like to understand the current balance of your energies, you can take our free online test.

Embracing diversity

Instead of conforming to social ideals, ayurveda encourages understanding and acceptance of our natural self. In Ayurveda, optimal body weight is a state in which the body functions at its best, promoting harmony, balance and self-love. By aligning with Ayurvedic principles and celebrating the diversity of our bodies, we can embark on a personalised journey towards wellness and healthy weight adjustment.

The question arises: what is the cause of our dissatisfaction with our bodies and our weight? Some kind of energy imbalance or a desire to conform to social norms?

Digestion, the very foundation of good health

In Ayurveda, the digestive fire (agni) is responsible for metabolic processes, which is key to maintaining optimal body weight. Whether you want to gain or lose weight, optimizing digestion is the first step. Ayurveda provides a useful guide, tailored to your individual body type, to help you choose the right diet, exercise and herbs.

Find out your body type and track your energy balance: free Ayurvedic body type test

We have compiled a list of what Ayurveda recommends by body type to keep us healthy: Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata-Pitta, Vata-Kapha, Pitta-Kapha, Tridosha

Herbs and spices to regulate healthy weight

Based on ayurvedic observations, excess weight is typically (though not exclusively) due to Kapha, or water energy stagnation and excess. While chronic low body weight is caused by aggravated Vata, or air energy.

The qualities that characterise kapha are heavy, slow, cool, oily, smooth, soft, stable and firm, while the qualities that characterise vata are light, mobile, cold, dry, clean, erratic, fast, volatile. A basic principle of ayurveda is that like increases like, and opposites balance each other. For example, did you know that southern fruits that grow in warm tropical climates have a cooling effect? Or that the flesh of fish in cold water has a warming effect?¹

Following this principle, if we want to reduce the heavy, wet and cool energy of kapha, we need to increase the light, dry and hot energy. If we want to counterbalance the cold and dry energy of vata, we need to increase the hot and wet energies.

Ayurvedic herbs and their effects on body weight

• Ashwagandha: an adaptogenic herb that helps to relieve stress, so it supports healthy weight gain and weight loss as needed. Reduces vata and kapha.
• Triphala: detoxifying herb, digestive aid, supports healthy metabolism. By improving the absorption of nutrients, it can contribute to healthy weight gain. Through enhanced digestive efficiency (detoxification), it helps to eliminate toxins, thus also supporting weight loss. Tridosha, balances all three doshas.
• Shilajit: adaptogenic herb, increases overall energy levels, so can help maintain healthy weight
• Trikatu: stimulates digestion and metabolism. Reduces kapha, so it primarily helps with weight loss.
• Gurmar: helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, thus aiding weight loss
• Shatavari: general strength booster, can support healthy weight gain

💚 Natural weight control with Ayurveda 🌿

_{References: Dr. David Frawley Ayurvedic healing, Mireisz László: Buddhism and Ayurveda lecture¹}