Chronic Disorders
Chronic disorders are long-term health conditions that persist over time, often requiring ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments. Common examples include diabetes, hypertension, and high blood cholesterol, as well as issues related to weight management such as overweight, obesity, and unintentional weight loss. In addition, eating disorders like anorexia nervosa present complex challenges that can significantly impact both physical and mental well-being. These conditions can lead to serious health complications if left unmanaged, but with timely treatment, appropriate lifestyle modifications, and a holistic approach, it is possible to improve overall quality of life and long-term outcomes.
Diabetes Treatments
It is estimated that there are 3.8 million people (about twice the population of New Mexico) aged 16 or over in England who have diabetes. This includes both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases and represents 8.6 per cent of this age group. In fact, the prevalence of diabetes is higher in men at 9.6 per cent, compared with 7.6 per cent in women.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, refers to diabetes as “Madhumeha,” which literally means “sweet urine.” According to Ayurveda, Madhumeha is considered an ongoing metabolic disorder caused by an imbalance of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The core causative factor is linked to an imbalance in the Kapha dosha, which is associated with qualities such as heaviness, coldness, and stability. This imbalance may be triggered by various factors, including an improper diet, a sedentary lifestyle, mental stress, or heredity.
These factors lead to an imbalance in Agni—the digestive fire—which impairs digestion and metabolism. When this natural process is disrupted, Ama (toxins) accumulate in the body, blocking the channels and particularly affecting the tissues involved in carbohydrate metabolism. As a result, this impaired metabolism leads to elevated blood sugar levels.
Ayurveda adopts a holistic approach to diabetes management, placing significant emphasis on dietary and lifestyle modifications, as well as the use of natural remedies to address the imbalance and enhance overall well-being. We recommend seeking guidance from a qualified Ayurvedic professional at our clinic, who will tailor a treatment plan based on each individual’s unique constitution, doshas, and imbalances.
Hypertension
The latest statistics suggest that 30% of adults have hypertension, with 15% of cases remaining untreated. In general, prevalence rates are almost the same for both men and women. Moreover, the trend shows an increase with age: from as low as 9% among adults aged between 16 and 44, rising to as high as 60% among those aged 65 years and above.
In Ayurveda, high blood pressure is more commonly known as “Hardya Roga”. According to Ayurvedic principles, this condition results from an imbalance in the three fundamental doshas of the body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Such imbalances disturb the natural rhythm and flow of blood in the circulatory system. Ayurveda essentially regards blood pressure as a disorder primarily arising from imbalances in the Vata and Pitta doshas.
These dosha imbalances influence the heart, blood vessels and the circulatory system at large. Such disturbances can increase the volume or viscosity of Rakta (blood), thereby raising blood pressure. In addition, the faulty functioning of Srotas, which are pathways associated with circulation and fluid balance, plays a vital role in the manifestation of Hardya Roga.
The Ayurvedic holistic approach to managing hypertension does not focus solely on symptoms. Instead, it recognises the root causes of the condition and treats them accordingly. Treatment modalities are oriented towards balancing the doshas, improving digestion and metabolism, and fostering mental and emotional well-being. Under the care of a well-qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, a specific treatment plan tailored to one’s constitution and individual health needs may provide substantial relief from both the symptoms and the root causes of Hardya Roga. This holistic approach ensures a balanced path to improved health and well-being.
High Blood Cholesterol
The largest study on cholesterol ever conducted in the UK has revealed that as many as 54% of British people could have high overall cholesterol levels. One medical expert believes that the recent switch from measuring LDL (also known as “bad” cholesterol) to a new “non-HDL” test may be causing confusion among many individuals.
In Ayurveda, high blood cholesterol is often considered one of the modern lifestyle diseases and is linked to an imbalance of the Kapha and Pitta doshas. This condition is generally rooted in the concept of Medo Dhatu, which refers to the body’s fat tissue. Any imbalance in Medo Dhatu, combined with malfunctioning digestion and metabolism, may lead to excessive cholesterol accumulation in the body.
High levels of cholesterol are frequently associated with an imbalance in the Kapha dosha, which governs the body’s structure and lubrication. When Kapha becomes imbalanced, it may lead to the overproduction and storage of fat tissue. Similarly, when the Pitta dosha, which is linked to metabolism, becomes aggravated by dietary and lifestyle factors, it can increase the levels of fatty acids and cholesterol in the blood. In addition, if digestion is poor or if Agni (gut fire) is low, Ama (toxins) may form and accumulate in the body, disrupting normal metabolism and contributing to high cholesterol levels.
Ayurveda focuses on a holistic approach to managing high cholesterol through modifications in lifestyle, diet, and the use of herbal remedies. It is advisable to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can consider an individual’s unique constitution and health needs and devise a personalised treatment plan. In this way, Ayurveda does not merely address the symptoms of high cholesterol, but also tackles the root cause, aiming for lasting health and well-being.