Lifestyle diseases are health conditions that primarily arise from an individual’s daily habits and routines. When these habits are unhealthy, they can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn increases the risk of developing chronic, non-communicable diseases with potentially life-threatening consequences.
These diseases share common risk factors, particularly prolonged exposure to three modifiable lifestyle behaviors: smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. These factors contribute to the onset of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and certain types of cancer.
An effective and emerging approach to addressing complex health issues is through alternative or holistic treatments, with Ayurveda leading the way. This ancient system of medicine views the body as a whole and believes that diseases arise from imbalances in the three Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurveda promotes not just physical health but also psychological and spiritual well-being, providing a comprehensive approach to healing.
Ayurvedic therapies encompass lifestyle changes, addiction management, full-body detoxification, and mental and spiritual healing. Practices such as Acharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya, Panchakarma, and Abhyangam are integral to the regimen. One of the most renowned treatments, Shirodhara, involves a steady stream of herbal oils poured on the forehead. This treatment is particularly effective for relieving stress, balancing the body’s energies, and focusing them on self-healing.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, making it difficult for them to efficiently use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. As a result, blood sugar levels rise over time. This disorder is often triggered by factors such as impaired beta cell function, excess weight, and metabolic syndrome, all of which contribute to this lifestyle disease.
In Ayurveda, diabetes is called Madhumeha, which translates to “sweet urine.” Madhumeha is classified into two types. Diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by high blood sugar levels, is referred to as Vata Prameha, arising from an imbalance in the Vata dosha (one of the three fundamental energies in the body). On the other hand, diabetes insipidus, which involves excessive thirst and urination, is known as Kapha Prameha, and is caused by an imbalance in the Kapha dosha.
Obesity is primarily caused by poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, stressful lifestyles, and other contributing factors. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 are considered obese, and they often face a range of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Obesity is a foundational condition that can lead to several other chronic diseases.
In Ayurveda, obesity is referred to as Atisthaulya, which is characterized by the excessive accumulation of Meda (fat or adipose tissue) and Mamsa (muscle tissue), resulting in the flabbiness of areas such as the hips, abdomen, and breasts. It is classified as one of the Santarpanottha Vikaras (diseases caused by excessive calorie consumption). Medodushti (disorder in fat metabolism) is considered a significant risk factor for conditions like Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD).
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, refers to the increased pressure within the arteries—the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to a variety of complications, including kidney disease, heart disease, eye damage, stroke, and the hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis).
In Ayurveda, hypertension is considered a Vata imbalance, specifically Raktagata Vata. In this condition, the aggravated Vata becomes lodged in the Rakta Dhatu (blood) and disrupts its normal circulation, leading to the elevated blood pressure and associated health issues.
Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by intense, throbbing headaches, often on one side of the head, accompanied by a pulsating sensation. It is commonly associated with nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. The pain typically affects areas such as the eyes, neck, nose, head, and face.
In Ayurveda, migraine is referred to as Ardhavabhedhaka, a condition arising from an imbalance in the Doshas. This imbalance can lead to various symptoms, including poor eye health, disrupted sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and a decrease in overall productivity.
In Ayurveda, thyroid imbalances are understood through the lens of the doshas. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is typically considered a Kapha imbalance, as the qualities of Kapha—heavy, slow, and damp—align with the symptoms of a sluggish thyroid. People with a Kapha constitution or imbalance often experience a slow metabolism, or manda agni, which is common in hypothyroid conditions.
Hypothyroidism in Ayurveda is categorized into five types, each based on the dosha that influences it. A Kapha-induced hypothyroidism is associated with the “goiter” type, which is marked by noticeable swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. A Vata-induced hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is linked to both mental agitation and stress, as well as physical factors like excessive exertion. Pitta imbalance is typically responsible for hyperthyroidism, the condition of an overactive thyroid. Thus, each thyroid condition in Ayurveda is viewed as the result of specific dosha imbalances that affect both physical and psychological health.