Over half of adults and a third of children and young people worldwide will be overweight or obese by 2050, posing an "unparalleled threat" of early death, disease and enormous strain on healthcare systems, a report published in Lancet, last month, warned. This brought back the spotlight on this health issue. Now, while it is an established fact that diet and exercise are pivotal to reducing obesity, new studies have shown that Ayurvedic treatments can be quite effective for weight loss as well. An added advantage is that they tend to have excellent results and come with minimal risk of side effects. However, it is advised to follow these methods under expert supervision.

Naturopathy expert Dr Nitasha Gupta claims that a particular herbal decoction can help reduce up to 7 kilograms of weight in a month. Dr Gupta explains that the powder is made from amla (Indian gooseberry), harad (chebulic myrobalan), baheda (beleric), neem, tulsi (holy basil), and giloy. These ingredients help in quick weight loss. The body also detoxifies, and the risk of diseases decreases. The powder can also be consumed in another way.

How To Make Ayurvedic Weight Loss Drink At Home

• Take one glass of water in a pan.
• Add one spoon of herbal powder made from Ayurvedic herbs.
• Boil the water until it is reduced to half.
• Remove from heat and pour into a glass.
• Drink it on an empty stomach in the morning and again before bedtime.

Here's Another Way To Take It

- Take one spoon of the powder in a bowl.

- Add one spoon of honey to make a paste.

- Consume this mixture on an empty stomach in the morning and again before bedtime.

- According to Dr. Nitasha, this method too can help reduce up to 5 kilograms in a month.

Bnefits Of Amla, Baheda And Harad

Amla, baheda, and harad are considered powerful Ayurvedic remedies for fat reduction and overall well-being. Together, they form the popular Ayurvedic formulation known as Triphala, which has been used for centuries to cleanse the body and support healthy digestion.

Amla (Indian gooseberry) is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It helps in boosting liver function, enhancing metabolism, and strengthening the immune system. Regular consumption of amla is believed to improve fat breakdown and reduce harmful cholesterol levels, making it an effective aid in weight management.

Baheda (beleric) is known for its detoxifying properties. It flushes out toxins from the digestive tract, balances the body’s doshas, and stimulates digestive fire (agni), which is essential for nutrient absorption and fat metabolism. It also supports respiratory and liver health.

Harad (chebulic myrobalan) is revered in Ayurveda for its powerful cleansing effects. It increases the metabolic rate, helps maintain optimal weight, controls hunger pangs, and improves gut health. Collectively, these three herbs support natural detoxification, balance internal systems, and promote sustainable weight loss.

Ever felt like your mind just won’t turn off? Like you're trapped in a never-ending cycle of stress, sleeplessness and exhaustion—fuelled by caffeine and pure willpower? You're not alone. We all drive ourselves through life, believing burnout is the cost of doing business. But what if there was a quick, scientifically-proven way to escape?

For Arghya Dutta Choudhury, life was a draining blur of deadlines, self-doubt, and relentless overthinking—until he got to know about Transcendental Meditation (TM). What was a desperate attempt to take back control became a powerful transformation. From crippling insomnia to a deep sense of inner calm, his journey reveals shows how 20 minutes of meditation, twice a day, can reboot the mind, balance emotions, and even help you sleep better.

He worked full-time as a content writer at 29, juggling deadlines, career demands, and personal issues. Though academically successful, his thoughts ran non-stop, making him feel emotionally unbalanced and reckless. Anxiety, together with incessant overthinking, made it virtually impossible to concentrate, resulting in self-doubt and emotional burnout.

As with others trapped in the cycle of burnout, his sleepless nights only made him worse. Insomnia became an unwelcome visitor, and day-to-day activities became a strain. The convergence of work-related stress and lack of relaxation compelled him to higher levels of tiredness and emotional distress. Tired of this, he tried meditation, but his early spiritual quest was wanting in depth and change.

"My mind was always racing, and it was hard to concentrate on work or even appreciate simple things," he remembers. The pressure of his high-stress job, combined with lack of sleep and emotional instability, drove him into burnout cycles that compromised his productivity and relationships.

One of his biggest challenges was insomnia. No matter how exhausted he felt, falling asleep—and staying asleep—was an ongoing battle. “I would wake up feeling just as drained as the night before,” he says. This constant state of exhaustion left him struggling to perform at work and maintain personal relationships, leading to a downward spiral of stress and fatigue.

Eager to resolve the issue, Arghya discovered Transcendental Meditation in June 2016. TM is a very easy yet highly effective meditation practice based on Vedic traditions that is meant to enable one to go beyond thoughts and enjoy deep relaxation. TM is different from other types of meditation that need one to focus intensely because it enables the mind to settle down naturally into a state of great stillness.

His initial TM session was nothing less than a revelation. "For the first time, my mind felt absolute silence," he says. "It was like someone had thrown a switch, and all the commotion in my head just disappeared." Inspired by this instant sense of peace, Arghya began practicing TM daily—and the change was phenomenal.

In weeks, Arghya experienced a deep transformation in his mind and emotions. The impulsiveness that used to drive his choices slowly faded away, replaced by an inner sense of balance and clarity. He was more patient, more grounded, and less reliant on external stimuli to feel content. "I no longer needed constant social media stimulation or overwork to feel complete," he says. Rather, he found happiness in solitude and in the ordinary everyday moments.

The most striking alteration was in sleep. For years, he had fought insomnia. Now, he slept soundly and deeply at last. "For the first time in years, I woke up feeling refreshed," he remembers. His output increased, his emotional strength increased, and he no longer was bogged down by the rigors of life.

In 2024, Arghya attended the 10,000 for World Peace Assembly at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, where meditators from 134 nations came together to bring orderliness to the group consciousness. The experience of the raw power of thousands of people meditating as one made him realize more intensely the vast impact of TM.

He also learned Yogic Flying, an advanced practice in the TM Sidhi Program, during this event. "Yogic Flying enabled me to reach a new level of self-awareness and mental clarity," he reports. This advanced practice solidified his understanding that he was not just his thoughts and feelings—he was the quiet observer beyond the mental chatter. This shift in perspective liberated him from the emotional storms that had previously dominated his life.

Arghya's path was supervised by Ms. Aditi Shrivastava, a diligent teacher of Transcendental Meditation. While looking back on his change, she provided an overview of TM as a transformative instrument for psychological and emotional equilibrium. "Individuals approach TM hoping to break free from the shackles of stress, tension, and sleeplessness. And gradually, a complete shift takes place in their consciousness," reveals Aditi.

According to Aditi, TM not only heals but also empowers individuals to take control of their mental health. “The beauty of TM lies in its simplicity. Unlike other meditation techniques that require years of practice, TM delivers results relatively quickly. With consistent practice, individuals develop greater emotional resilience, enhanced cognitive function, and an overall sense of inner peace.”

She underscores that though the journey of every meditator is different, the most important aspect of transformation is commitment and faith in the process. "Meditation is not a quick fix, but with consistency, it wires the brain differently and allows individuals to get stability and clarity in life," she adds.

Arghya offers one piece of advice to anyone suffering with either or all of what he went through, "Give meditation a chance. The peace you are looking for is already inside you—you just need the proper tools to find it."

I used to rely on my morning cup of coffee like a lifeline—without it, my day was sluggish, my energy hit rock bottom by noon, and I caught myself grabbing yet another caffeine boost. Ring a bell? What if I told you that there's a smarter way to maintain energy, one without the jitters, caffeine crash, or dependence? Come in amla juice, the Ayurvedic superpower that can naturally make you feel refreshed, active, and lively throughout the day.

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian science of life, identifies three essential energies—Ojas, Tejas, and Prana—that control our metabolism, digestion, and general energy. If these energies get drained through wrong lifestyle choices, stress, and inappropriate food intake, we become tired all the time, sluggish, and lose motivation. Coffee may give a quick burst of energy, but it derails the natural rhythm of the body, which eventually results in energy crashes and adrenal fatigue.

Rather than turning to quick fixes, Ayurveda suggests fueling the body with foods and beverages that boost our internal energy stores. One of the most powerful natural remedies? Amla juice.

Amla (Indian gooseberry) is a mainstay in Ayurvedic medicine and is renowned for its amazing health benefits. This tiny green fruit is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, iron, and essential minerals—all of which are instrumental in keeping energy levels and overall health in check.

Dr Sachin BAMS describes, "Amla juice is extremely rich in vitamin C, which is a very important factor in combating fatigue and enhancing the energy level as a whole. It also has antioxidants, iron, and other minerals that aid the body's metabolism and assists in the process of converting food into energy."

How Amla Juice Boosts Your Energy Naturally

Enhances Energy Metabolism: Amla juice is rich in vitamin C, which helps combat fatigue and boosts metabolic function, ensuring your body efficiently converts food into energy.

Uplifts Immunity: The high antioxidant content strengthens your immune system, preventing illnesses that can drain your energy.

Improves Digestion: Amla supports gut health by promoting better nutrient absorption, which directly influences how energized you feel throughout the day.

Regulates Blood Sugar: In contrast to coffee, which leads to energy crashes and spikes, amla juice keeps blood sugar levels stable, eliminating dramatic drops in energy.

Boosts Oxygen Flow: Its iron content increases oxygen delivery throughout the body, lessening fatigue and enhancing stamina.

Detoxifies: Amla removes toxins, which otherwise could result in lethargy and fatigue.

How to Make Amla Juice Part of Your Lifestyle

Having amla juice is easy, but the impact is immense. Here's how you can incorporate it as a regular part of your daily routine:

Morning Boost: Begin your morning with a glass of fresh amla juice on an empty stomach for optimal absorption and energy kick.

Mix It Up: If the sourness is too overwhelming, water it down or blend it with honey and lemon for a zesty spin.

Consistency Is Key: Regular use is essential for long-term benefits—make it an absolute part of your morning routine.

Benefits of the Amla Juice

• Uplift Immunity – Amla juice has the high vitamin C content that makes your immunity system strong and assists you in remaining healthy and energetic.
• Helps in Better Digestion –It enhances the gut health that makes nutrient absorption better, which directly impacts energy levels.
• Regulates Blood Sugar Level – Amla stabilizes the blood sugar level that avoids energy crashes.
• Boosts Oxygen Supply – Amla contains a lot of iron that aids in improved oxygen supply that avoids fatigue and enhances body stamina.
• Flushes Out Toxins from Body – Amla juice aids in flushing out the toxins from the body, which keeps you fresh and energetic all day long.

How to add Amla Juice into Daily Life

• Morning Boost: Consuming the fresh amla juice on an empty stomach each morning provides you with numerous advantages
• Mix It Up: In case the taste is too overpowering, you can mix it with honey, lemon, or the diluted water.
• Be Consistent: Consuming amla juice regularly can assist in keeping high energy levels in the long term.

5 Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for Long-Lasting Energy

Amla juice is only one component of the formula. In order to actually sustain maximum energy levels, Ayurveda suggests incorporating conscious lifestyle routines that complement your body's natural cycles.

1. Develop Healthy Habits

A planned day avoids energy drain. Attempt to eat at regular times, sleep at regular times, and exercise at regular times. Begin the morning with gentle yoga or a contrast shower (switching between hot and cold water) to stimulate your senses and get circulation going.

2. Make Physical Activity Top Priority—But Don't Overexert Yourself

Exercise is important to sustain energy, but excessive exercise can have the opposite effect. A gentle 15-minute morning walk or yoga can clear mental fogginess and enhance oxygenation of the brain.

3. Rest and Regenerate

Rest is as critical as movement. Ensure you sleep well at night and have short breaks in the daytime to recharge. Ayurvedic massages with herbal oils can also be used to open up energy paths and revitalize the body.

4. Eat According to Your Ayurvedic Body Type

Keeping your diet in harmony with your Dosha (constitutional type) is the best way to keep your energy level balanced. Emphasize whole, raw foods that are good for digestion, like seasonal fruits, lentils, and healing herbs.

5. Fortify Digestion with Spices and Herbal Combinations

Effective digestion is the key to getting energy out of food. Ayurvedic spices like ginger, cardamom, and turmeric not only aid digestion but also purify the body and maintain stable energy levels during the day.

Dr Sachin is BAMS and Medical Advisor at Rasayanam in India

In today’s world, many people are turning to non-mainstream approaches to health and wellness. We see that people are choosing alternative therapies and medicines. Recently, terms like “complementary,” “alternative,” and “integrative” are often used to describe these practices. But, do we know what exactly do they mean? If you are also hearing about these terms but are new to the whole world of "alternative" therapies and medicines, then this guide breaks down these terms and explores the various approaches that fall under them, including traditional healers, Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, and functional medicine.

Complementary vs. Alternative Medicine

The terms complementary and alternative are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Complementary medicine refers to non-mainstream approaches that are used alongside conventional medical treatments. For instance, someone may use acupuncture to manage pain while continuing to take prescribed medication. On the other hand, alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medical treatments. A person might choose to treat their illness exclusively with herbal remedies rather than seeing a doctor.

The main difference is the complementary medicine is used as something that complements along with the ongoing prescription. It is an additional support, whereas, the alternative medicine is more of a "this or that" choice. Here, you are expected to substitute a different kind of medicine from what you have been prescribed by a doctor.

Most individuals who use non-mainstream treatments also continue to rely on conventional healthcare for certain aspects of their well-being.

Integrative Health

What happens in integrative health is that it blends conventional medicine with complementary approaches. This happens in a very coordinated manner. It is important to emphasize that a person's healing depends on three elements, physical, mental, and emotional state and this is what integrative health focuses on. This approach combines various treatments, such as medication, psychotherapy, acupuncture, and yoga, to provide a holistic care plan. It has been increasingly popular in the United States, particularly in the management of chronic pain, cancer recovery, and mental health.

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a term often used in conjunction with integrative health. It takes a personalized approach to medicine, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues. Functional medicine practitioners consider factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle when treating conditions. Though it shares similarities with integrative health, functional medicine tends to prioritize diet and lifestyle modifications, alongside traditional treatments.

Traditional Healers and Alternative Practices

Many complementary approaches stem from long-established traditions and cultures around the world. Here are some of the prominent practices:

Traditional Healers: In various cultures, traditional healers have been the primary source of medical care for centuries. These healers often use natural remedies and spiritual practices to treat illnesses and promote wellness. The role of these healers varies by region, but their approach is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and knowledge passed down through generations.

Ayurvedic Medicine: Originating in India, Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that seeks to balance the body’s energies, or doshas. It emphasizes a personalized approach, using herbs, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to treat illness. Ayurveda has been practiced for over 5,000 years and is recognized as one of the oldest medical systems in the world.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM is an ancient practice that focuses on restoring the balance of energy, or qi, within the body. It uses a variety of treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy, to address imbalances and promote health. TCM is based on the idea that the body and mind are interconnected, and both need to be in harmony for optimal health.

Homeopathy: Homeopathy is based on the principle that "like cures like." Homeopathic practitioners use highly diluted substances that, in larger doses, would cause symptoms similar to those the patient is experiencing. It is a controversial and highly debated approach, with critics questioning its efficacy due to the extreme dilution of substances used.

Naturopathy: Naturopathy combines various natural therapies, such as herbal medicine, nutrition, and physical therapies, to promote healing. Naturopaths believe in the body’s ability to heal itself and aim to support this process by removing toxins and restoring balance. This practice incorporates elements of traditional medicine from many cultures, particularly those in Europe and North America.

The Role of Complementary Approaches in Health

Complementary health approaches can take many forms, ranging from nutritional methods (such as dietary supplements and herbs) to physical therapies (like yoga and massage). These approaches are often used alongside conventional treatments to enhance healing and improve overall well-being.

Research on complementary therapies continues to evolve, and some studies have shown promising results. For example, acupuncture has been shown to help reduce chronic pain, while yoga has been beneficial for mental health and managing stress.

However, it’s important to approach these practices with an understanding that not all treatments are backed by strong scientific evidence. Individuals interested in these therapies should consult healthcare professionals and consider integrating them with conventional treatments when appropriate.