Underweight Ayurveda: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Underweight?

Underweight means body weight that is below what's considered healthy for a given height and age. Causes include chronic poor intake, high metabolism, malabsorption, long-standing illness, stress, or constitutional lean body type. Ayurveda links prolonged low weight to weak Agni (digestive/metabolic fire), depleted Dhatus (tissues), Vata aggravation and inadequate nourishment (Ajasrika and Rasadhatu weakness).

Safety & Medical Coordination

A medical check-up is essential to exclude medical causes of weight loss (thyroid, infections, gastrointestinal disease). Ayurveda works best when coordinated with primary care. Rejuvenation and nourishing therapies are tailored to individual constitution, current health and lab results.

Primary Ayurvedic Therapies for Underweight (with reference images)

Below are the clinic therapies commonly used to safely increase weight and rebuild tissues. Each therapy includes a clinic reference photo. These are chosen for their nourishing, strengthening and restorative effects (Brimhana and Rasayana).

Abhyanga (Warm Oil Massage)

What it is: Full-body massage with warm, nourishing herbal oils selected to increase body mass, calm Vata and improve circulation.

• Primary Brimhana therapy — nourishes tissues, improves appetite and sleep.
• Improves lymphatic flow and promotes anabolic processes when combined with dietary rehabilitation.
• Usually performed daily or alternate days during initial strengthening phase.

Njavara Kizhi (Rejuvenative Bolus Therapy)

What it is: Warm poultices of Njavara rice cooked in herbal decoctions and milk-based preparations, applied over the body to deeply nourish Dhatus.

• Powerful Rasayana to rebuild muscle, improve strength and promote healthy weight gain.
• Used in rehabilitation after short preparatory therapies; often combined with internal nourishing medicines.

Lepam (Nourishing Pastes)

What it is: Application of warm, nutrient-dense herbal pastes over the body or specific areas to deliver local nourishment and improve tissue quality.

• Formulations include milk, ghee and anabolic herbs when indicated; supports muscle and subcutaneous tissue build-up.
• Useful adjunct to Abhyanga and Njavara Kizhi during the rebuilding phase.

Oil Bath (Snehana / External Oleation)

What it is: Warm oil immersion or bathing protocols to deeply lubricate tissues, reduce dryness and support Vata pacification.

• Enhances effects of Abhyanga and prepares body for rejuvenation therapies.
• Chosen oils (medicated ghee/oils) and temperature are individualized.

Basti — Anuvasana (Nourishing Medicated Enema)

What it is: Medicated oil-based enemas administered to restore Vata balance and improve nourishment through the gut-liver axis.

• Anuvasana Basti with nourishing oils/ghee formulations supports systemic nourishment and assimilation.
• Given selectively when bowel function and overall condition permit; prescribed by an Ayurvedic physician.

Shirodhara (Nervous System Support & Appetite)

What it is: Continuous pouring of warm herbal oils or medicated liquids on the forehead to calm the nervous system and improve sleep and appetite.

• Indicated when anxiety, insomnia or stress are contributing to poor intake and weight loss.
• Useful adjunct to physical nourishment therapies to optimize rest and recovery.

Herbal Medicines & Nutritional Support

Internal medicines and diet are foundational. Herbs and formulations below are used cautiously and only after clinical evaluation.

All internal medicines must be prescribed after assessment, especially when on other medications or if metabolic illnesses are present.

Sample Clinic Plans (examples)

Plans are illustrative — final protocols depend on age, underlying cause, labs and clinician judgement.

Quick Reference — Therapies & Roles