“Drive for development …. deprived from Health”. India is the most developing country in the world; in the last few decades, development in medical facilities and equipment has increased human lifespan. But is this long life healthy? A new series of diseases known as Lifestyle Disorders has become a primary area of concern.
Leaning towards westernization, faulty food habits, lack of physical exercises, suppression of natural urges, occupational stress, and improper sleep habits are leading causes of lifestyle disorders. These affect both the physical and mental health of a person, often manifesting as obesity, stroke, COPD, hyperlipidaemia, and diabetes.
Introduction
Ayurveda is the science of life. Its holistic approach is multidimensional, acting on the whole system of body and mind. Panchakarma gives a complete solution through its preventive, promotive, and curative aspects. Ayurveda emphasizes "maintenance of health in a healthy person" through Dinacharya, Rutucharya, and Panchakarma.
In this modern era, where everyone is busy achieving goals, simple procedures like daily Abhyanga, Nasya, and Rutu Shodhana (seasonal detoxification) are essential for maintaining health and improving quality of life.
The Concept of Rutu Shodhana
Our Acharyas described Shodhana procedures to expel accumulated Doshas according to the seasons (Rutus):
| Season (Rutu) | Accumulation (Sanchaya) | Aggravation (Prakopa) | Elimination (Shodhana) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasanta (Spring) | Hemanta (Winter) | Vasanta | Vamana (for Kapha) |
| Sharad (Autumn) | Varsha (Monsoon) | Sharad | Virechana (for Pitta) |
| Varsha (Monsoon) | Grishma (Summer) | Pravrut/Varsha | Basti (for Vata) |
Management of Lifestyle Disorders
1. Vamana (Emesis Therapy)
Vamana is considered the best for treating Kaphaja rogas. Acharya Charak uses the simile of uprooting a tree to describe how Vamana destroys the root cause of diseases. It is highly effective in managing Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus, which are Kapha-predominant disorders.
2. Virechana (Purgation Therapy)
Virechana helps in curing psychosomatic disorders like stress, anxiety, and depression. It aids in the restoration of gut microbiome and the synthesis of essential vitamins (B12, Biotin), which are crucial for nervous tissue repair. It is a vital therapy for Hypertension and Neurological disorders.
3. Basti (Enema Therapy)
Vata is the primary factor in diseases affecting the entire body. Basti is considered "half of all medicinal treatments" (Ardha Chikitsa) because it is the most effective remedy for alleviating Vata. It cleanses and strengthens the colon while providing essential nutrition to the body.
Advantages of Shodhana
When administered properly, Shodhana:
- Increases digestive capacity.
- Returns the body components to normalcy.
- Increases strength and sexual potency.
- Delays the aging process and promotes longevity.
Conclusion
Rutu Shodhana is the best possible way to protect the gut from the unhealthy diet and lifestyle of today's era. By maintaining the gut-brain axis through seasonal cleansing, we can minimize modern disorders like stress and anxiety. Panchakarma remains the ultimate holistic solution for the management of lifestyle disorders.
Article by: Dr Snigdha Rani Patra, MD(Ayu), Panchakarma consultant, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital, Cuttack.
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