Environmental toxins are now being recognized as major contributors to obesity and recent research suggests that the removal of these toxins from our bodily tissues may be an effective treatment approach for treatment-resistant or chronic weight gain. Ayurveda offers a time-tested approach to removing toxins that is comfortable, safe, and, in fact, more effective than any other form of purification approach available today.
Many of the toxic chemicals that build up in our system over time (scientists estimate we have over 700 environmental chemicals in our bodies) are fat-soluble: this means they adhere to our fat tissues — and can stay there for up to 30 years. When we lose body fat, these chemicals get released from shrinking fat cells only to be reabsorbed by other fat cells.
A published research study (Sept./Oct. 2002 issue of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine) on the Ayurvedic panchakarma (purification) treatments offered at The Raj Ayurveda Health Center in Fairfield, IA showed that 50% of these dangerous toxins were actually removed from the body with a 5-day treatment program. No other method of detoxification has been shown to dissolve this class of fat-soluble toxins from our cell walls and then eliminate them from the body.
Not all toxins come from our environment. It turns out that we create some toxins ourselves due to poor digestion or poor food choices. Ayurveda refers to the toxins created by poor digestion as ama, a sticky residue that gradually clogs up the cells and channels of the body. This waste material can impair cellular functions and accelerate aging. It can also cause lethargy, fatigue, dullness, erratic eating habits and compulsive eating.
When ama blocks the channels of the body, Vata, the principle of movement throughout our physiology, no longer flows property and can become trapped in the abdomen. This can stimulate an abnormal digestive “fire”. As a result, a person feels hungry and begins to eat excessively, beyond their actual need.
The specialized Ayurveda detox treatments (Panchakarma) are also helpful for this type of toxin. Panchakarma reduces imbalance Vata as the same time that it helps “chisel away” impurities and toxins that have been slowly building up in the body over years. Removing these blockages and toxins allows the natural intelligence of the body to become more expressed. Cravings disappear and more natural eating habits are more easily established.
For more information on Ayurveda weight-loss programs, please visit The Raj Ayurveda Health Spa website:
STAYING HEALTHY WITH AYURVEDA 