Lifestyle diseases are ailments whose occurrence is primarily linked to the day-to-day life habits of an individual. If these daily habits of an individual are improper, they might lead one to follow a sedentary lifestyle on a day-to-day basis. Such a lifestyle can further lead to several chronic non-communicable diseases, which can have near-life-threatening consequences
Lifestyle diseases share risk factors similar to prolonged exposure to three modifiable lifestyle behaviours -- smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity -- and result in the development of chronic diseases, specifically heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and some types of cancer.
An emerging and effective way to deal with these complicated scenarios is through alternative medical or holistic treatments. Ayurveda is the leader in this avenue. This system understands the functioning of the human body as a whole and any disease is understood to be due to an imbalance of the three Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurveda therapy validates the physical, psychological, and spiritual wellness of an individual.
It takes a well-rounded approach to therapies by suggesting lifestyle changes, tackling addictions, detoxification of the whole body, as well as mental and spiritual healing. Acharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya, Panchakarma, Abhyangam, etc. are all part of the regimen of Ayurveda. Shirodhara treatment, which involves a constant stream of herbal oils being poured on the forehead, is especially effective in relieving stress and centering the energies of the body, and focusing them on self-healing.
Type 2 diabetes refers to a condition where cells cannot utilize glucose or blood sugar efficiently for energy. This occurs when the cells become insensitive to insulin, and the blood sugar levels gradually become too high. A combination of several factors like broken beta cells, extra weight, metabolic syndrome, etc., are responsible for the cause of this lifestyle disease. In Ayurveda, diabetes is referred to as Madhumeha (literally meaning sweet urine). Diabetes mellitus is referred to as Vata Prameha. It crops up because of an imbalance in the Vata Dosha (one of the three functional energies in the body). Diabetes insipidus is referred to as Kapha Prameha. This occurs because of the Kapha Dosha imbalance.
Individuals become obese because of unhygienic and unhealthy eating habits, reduced physical activity, stressful lifestyles, and other factors. Obese individuals have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, and they suffer from cardiovascular diseases, breathing problems, blood pressure, and diabetes. This is a primary disorder that can result in several other chronic diseases in an individual. In Ayurveda, Atisthaulya (Obesity) is described as excessive accumulation of Meda (fat/adipose tissue) and Mamsa (flesh/muscle tissue) leading to flabbiness of hips, abdomen, and breast. It is considered one of Santarpanottha Vikaras (diseases due to the consumption of excessive calories) in Ayurveda. Medodushti (disorders of fat metabolism) may be one of the risk factors for Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD).