Ayurveda is an ancient healing system that dates back about 3,000 years in India. Popular authors include Deepak Chopra, M.D., and Vasant Lad, both of whom have published books on how to apply ayurveda in your life in the areas of nutrition, weight loss and well-being. To lose weight using ayurveda, you might consider a holistic approach including diet, exercise, meditation, yoga and stress management.
Body Types
In ayurveda, there are three general body/mind types, or doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. Vata is associated with the ether or air element and describes a person who is thin and wiry and has a tendency for irregular eating and sleeping habits that may result in irregularity. Pitta is associated with the fire element and people with a medium build who are often athletic and have a healthy appetite and metabolism. Kapha is associated with the earth element. People with this dosha are generally big-boned, heavyset, not fond of exercise and may have a tendency to gain weight. Knowing your dosha will help you determine the best way to lose weight in the ayurvedic system. You may be a combination of two or even all three doshas.
Features
Generally, vatas will not be overweight, as they may not have much of an appetite and tend to be physically active. Pittas who need to lose weight can consider increasing their exercise --- as many pittas already are athletic --- and watch their diet. Trimming empty calories and eating a well-balanced diet may be enough for a pitta to lose weight. Kaphas, who generally dislike exercise, may want to lose a few extra pounds. Dr. Vasant Lad, author of "The Complete Book to Ayurvedic of Home Remedies," recommends that kaphas walk for at least 30 minutes every day to help boost metabolism, or agni fire. He also recommends not drinking cold drinks that can dampen agni or consuming fried foods. To lose weight, he advises people to cut back on dairy foods.
Considerations
Vatas who want to trim down can benefit from eating at regular times for their meals to counteract their habit of irregular eating, which can result in poor nutrition or eating too many calories late in the day or night. Pittas benefit from eating several smaller meals throughout the day, as they generally have a hearty appetite. By eating smaller meals, you allow the body to digest your food more completely and keep the blood sugar level. Traditionally kaphas are encouraged to eat their largest meal at noon, when it is believed digestion is at its peak. Kaphas, who tend to carry extra weight, are encouraged to eat a lighter dinner so they do not consume a heavy meal directly before sleeping, as extra calories can be stored as fat.
Solution
Kaphas are encouraged to eat salads, fresh fruit for important fiber and to consume teas including ginger or mint, both of which can assist in digestion. Vatas are encouraged to eat hot foods that are grounding and filling, such as legumes and cooked whole grains and vegetables. Pittas, who tend to be physically active, are encouraged to eat adequate protein at every meal to prevent overeating.
Breath Work
In addition to diet, a specific type of breath work can help stoke agni fire and aid in weight loss. In the ayurvedic system, "breath of fire" is believed to help increase metabolism by increasing fire in the belly. It is best to learn breath of fire, or kalabhati pranayama, from an experienced yoga teacher. Avoid doing breath of fire if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or glaucoma or are having a menstrual flow.
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