Abstract

EATING DISORDERS: ANOREXIA NERVOSA AND BINGE EATING DISORDER-AN AYURVEDIC INSIGHT

Dr. Neha Singh*, Dr. Sunanda R. Pedhekar, Dr. Rupali Kawade

ABSTRACT

An eating disorder is a psychological disorder that causes serious disturbances to our everyday diet. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa(AN), bulimia nervosa(BN), and binge-eating disorder(BED). The salient feature of AN is a refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight. BED is characterised by repeated episodes of binge eating, in the absence of purging, excessive exercise, or fasting. Eating disorders are treatable medical illnesses and coexist with other illnesses such as depression, substance abuse, or anxiety disorders. Some symptoms can become life-threatening if a person does not receive treatment. Ayurveda –India’s traditional and most ancient system of health, has a unique approach about eating disorders and may offer some insight to the individuals suffering from it. Every human body is comprised of different amount of each doshas known as prakruti. Depending on which dosha are predominant in body, there are ideas for why specific eating disorder may be present. According to particular dosha & prakruti involved along with psychotherapy is the key to the treatment.

Keywords: Anorexia nervosa,Binge eating disorder,Dosha,Prakruti,Ayurvedic principles.