Anorexia Nervosa – An Ayurvedic Wellbeing Perspective

Supportive Care at Ayur Healthcare, Parramatta, Sydney

Understanding Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder and mental health condition characterised by an intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image, and restrictive eating behaviours. Individuals affected may perceive themselves as overweight despite being underweight, leading to significant physical and psychological health risks.

Anorexia nervosa requires urgent medical and mental health assessment and ongoing professional care.

What Is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa most commonly affects adolescents and young adults but can occur at any age. It involves:

• Persistent restriction of food intake

• Severe weight loss or failure to maintain healthy weight

• Fear of gaining weight

• Psychological distress related to body image

If left untreated, anorexia can be life-threatening and must never be managed without medical supervision.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Significant weight loss or low body weight

• Avoidance of meals

• Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting

• Dry skin, hair thinning, brittle nails

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles

• Constipation and abdominal discomfort

• Anxiety, low mood, or obsessive behaviours

Any of these symptoms require medical evaluation.

Types of Anorexia Nervosa

• Restricting type: Severe limitation of food intake

• Binge–purge type: Periods of binge eating followed by purging behaviours

Both forms require specialist mental health treatment.

Complications if Untreated

Anorexia nervosa can result in:

• Cardiac complications and electrolyte imbalance

• Bone density loss (osteoporosis)

• Muscle wasting

• Hormonal disruption

• Increased infection risk

• Depression, anxiety, and increased suicide risk

These complications highlight the importance of early medical intervention.

Ayurvedic Perspective (Supportive Wellbeing Only)

In Ayurveda, reduced appetite is traditionally discussed under the concept of Aruchi (loss of appetite).
At Ayur Healthcare, Ayurveda is not used to diagnose, treat, or cure anorexia nervosa.

Instead, Ayurvedic care may be offered only as supportive wellbeing care, focusing on:

• Gentle digestive comfort

• Nervous system calming

• Stress reduction

• Establishing routine and stability

Ayurvedic support is provided only alongside active medical and mental health care, never as a replacement.

Supportive Therapies at Ayur Healthcare

Where medically appropriate and approved by the treating doctor, supportive therapies may include:

• Abhyanga (gentle oil massage) for relaxation

• Shirodhara for stress and anxiety support

• Calming body therapies aimed at nervous system balance

Panchakarma is not undertaken in individuals with active eating disorders or malnutrition.

Diet & Lifestyle (General Wellbeing Principles)

All nutritional rehabilitation must be guided by a dietitian or medical practitioner.
General wellbeing principles may include:

• Regular daily routine

• Stress management

• Restorative sleep habits

• Gentle movement only when medically cleared

Why Choose Ayur Healthcare?

Ayur Healthcare in Parramatta, Sydney, practises ethical, classical Ayurveda within Australian regulatory standards. We:

• Respect medical and psychological treatment plans

• Do not make disease or cure claims

• Provide supportive wellbeing care only

• Refer appropriately when higher-level care is required

Importance of an Ayurvedic Consultation

A consultation is essential to:

• Assess safety and suitability

• Understand current medical treatment

• Ensure clear boundaries between medical care and complementary support

Ayurvedic care is never commenced without appropriate medical oversight in eating disorders.

Conclusion

Anorexia nervosa is a complex and potentially life-threatening mental health condition requiring urgent medical and psychological care. Ayurveda does not treat or cure anorexia; however, when used responsibly and ethically, it may offer supportive wellbeing care focused on relaxation, stress regulation, and quality of life—only alongside medical treatment.

Important Disclaimer 

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and must not be interpreted as medical, psychological, or nutritional advice. Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition requiring diagnosis and treatment by qualified medical and mental health professionals. Ayurvedic services at Ayur Healthcare are supportive wellbeing services only and do not treat, cure, manage, or reverse eating disorders. Individuals experiencing eating disorder symptoms should seek immediate medical and psychological support. Ayur Healthcare does not provide crisis care and does not replace medical or mental health treatment. Outcomes vary between individuals.