What is Loss of Appetite (Arochaka)?

Loss of Appetite — called Arochaka in Ayurveda — is a condition where the natural desire to eat is reduced or absent. It may arise due to digestive weakness, stress, illness, liver or gastric disorders, or emotional factors. Persistent anorexia leads to weakness, nutritional deficiency and poor immunity.

Common causes

  • Weak digestive fire (Mandagni) due to irregular eating, indigestion or illness.
  • Accumulation of Ama (metabolic toxins) blocking digestive channels.
  • Stress, depression or emotional disturbances affecting hunger center.
  • Liver dysfunction or post-infectious fatigue.

Ayurvedic view

According to Ayurveda, Arochaka occurs when Kapha and Pitta imbalance suppresses digestive fire (Agni) and creates Ama. Treatment focuses on rekindling Agni, clearing Ama, calming the mind and restoring healthy appetite through internal medicines, Panchakarma and dietary regulation.

Ayurvedic Care Approach

  • Deepana–Pachana (Digestive stimulation): Use of herbs and diet to kindle Agni and digest Ama.
  • Shodhana (Detox when needed): Mild Virechana or Swedana may be used to clear channels and restore appetite.
  • Relaxation therapies: Abhyanga and Shirodhara reduce stress-related loss of appetite.
  • Nasyam: Helps clear Kapha from head–neck region affecting taste and smell.
  • Udvartana: Dry herbal massage enhances circulation and metabolism.
  • Diet & lifestyle: Regular meal timing, freshly cooked warm meals, short walks after eating, adequate rest.

Therapies We Use for Loss of Appetite — with reference images

The following Ayurvedic therapies are used at our clinic to rekindle digestive fire, clear toxins and support natural hunger. Each therapy is individualized and performed under physician supervision.

Abhyanga full body oil massage

Abhyanga (Warm Oil Massage)

What it is: Full-body massage using warm herbal oils to balance Doshas and enhance circulation.

  • Calms stress and nervous tension that suppress appetite.
  • Improves circulation, supports metabolism and digestive readiness.
  • Usually done daily or alternate days with light diet support.
Swedan herbal steam therapy

Swedan (Herbal Steam Therapy)

What it is: Sudation therapy using herbal steam to open channels and promote toxin elimination.

  • Enhances digestion and removes Ama blocking appetite.
  • Improves circulation and tissue metabolism.
  • Usually follows Abhyanga for synergistic effect.
Virechana purgation therapy

Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation) Key

What it is: Mild detox using herbal purgatives to cleanse liver and small intestine.

  • Removes accumulated Pitta–Ama affecting appetite.
  • Reactivates Agni and improves taste, digestion and hunger.
  • Performed only after preparatory procedures and physician clearance.
Nasyam nasal therapy

Nasyam (Nasal Therapy)

What it is: Nasal administration of medicated oils to clear head channels and enhance sensory appetite response.

  • Stimulates olfactory–gustatory link improving perception of taste and hunger.
  • Useful in stress or sinus-related anorexia.
  • Performed daily for short course with gentle oils.
Udvartana herbal powder massage

Udvartana (Herbal Powder Massage)

What it is: Massage using dry herbal powders to stimulate metabolism and reduce Kapha–Ama.

  • Improves sluggish digestion and helps restore appetite.
  • Enhances circulation and energy levels.
  • Often alternated with oil therapies for balance.
Shirodhara forehead oil pouring

Shirodhara (Mind–Gut Connection Therapy)

What it is: Continuous pouring of warm oil on the forehead to calm the nervous system.

  • Reduces anxiety and stress-related appetite loss.
  • Improves sleep, digestion and hormonal balance.
  • Ideal for chronic functional appetite issues.

Herbal & Dietary Support

  • Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica): Strong digestive stimulant to rekindle Agni.
  • Trikatu (Ginger, Pepper, Pippali): Enhances appetite and metabolism.
  • Ajwain & Hing: Reduce gas, bloating and improve taste.
  • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Balances Pitta and supports digestion.
  • Diet: Light, warm, freshly prepared meals — moong dal soup, rice gruel, thin buttermilk with roasted cumin.
  • Avoid: Cold drinks, heavy fried food, long fasting, irregular eating.
  • Helpful habits: Eat at fixed times, walk briefly after meals, sip warm water through the day.

Internal medicines are prescribed individually based on dosha status and medical history. Do not self-medicate.

Sample Clinic Plans (examples)

Mild Functional Loss
  • Abhyanga + Swedan sessions
  • Deepana herbs & diet correction
  • Short Nasyam course
Digestive Weakness with Ama
  • Preparatory oiling → mild Virechana
  • Udvartana alternate days
  • Trikatu & Chitrak formulations
Stress-Related Loss
  • Abhyanga + Shirodhara course
  • Light sattvic diet & yoga support
  • Guided relaxation and herbal tonics

Want to restore your natural appetite safely?

Book a consultation — our physicians assess digestive fire, stress and lifestyle factors to create a personalized Ayurvedic plan for appetite restoration.

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All procedures are performed by qualified Ayurvedic physicians. Individual assessment is mandatory before Panchakarma or internal therapy.