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Thermal Physiology Of Body

February 6, 2023

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Thermal Physiology of the Body: An Ayurvedic Perspective

The human body maintains an optimal core temperature of around 37°C (98.6°F) to ensure proper metabolic function, enzyme activity, and overall homeostasis. This thermal regulation, controlled by the hypothalamus, enables the body to adapt to environmental changes.

In Ayurveda, body temperature regulation is deeply connected to the balance of the three Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Pitta Dosha, associated with Agni (digestive fire), plays a primary role in maintaining heat balance, while Vata and Kapha influence cooling and circulation mechanisms. At EliteAyurveda, under the guidance of Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal, we integrate Ayurvedic wisdom with modern thermal physiology to address disorders related to heat imbalance, poor circulation, and metabolic dysregulation.

Ayurvedic Understanding of Body Heat Regulation

According to Ayurvedic principles, the body’s thermal balance is maintained through:

Pitta Dosha (Heat Production) → Metabolism & Digestion
Vata Dosha (Heat Distribution) → Circulation & Nerve Activity
Kapha Dosha (Heat Conservation) → Moisture & Cooling Mechanisms

“Ushna Teekshna Pitta Sannipaatena, Shareeram Ushna Bhavati”
(When Pitta Dosha increases excessively, body heat rises.)
— Charaka Samhita

How the Body Regulates Temperature

Mechanism	Ayurvedic Correlation	Function
Thermogenesis (Heat Production)	Pitta Agni (Digestive Fire)	Maintains body warmth via metabolism
Vasodilation (Heat Loss via Skin)	Vata Circulation	Expands blood vessels to release heat
Sweating (Evaporative Cooling)	Pitta-Kapha Balance	Removes excess heat & toxins (Ama)
Shivering (Heat Generation via Muscles)	Vata Response to Cold	Generates heat through muscle contractions
Respiratory Heat Exchange	Prana Vayu (Breath Regulation)	Adjusts body temperature via exhalation

Heat Imbalances & Ayurvedic View on Thermal Disorders

When body temperature regulation is disrupted, it can lead to various heat-related or cold-related disorders. Ayurveda categorizes these imbalances based on Dosha dominance.

Pitta Aggravation (Excess Heat)
Symptoms: Excess sweating, acidity, fever, heat rashes, dehydration
Causes: Spicy foods, excessive sun exposure, stress
Ayurvedic Remedy: Cooling herbs like Shatavari, Amalaki, Coriander

Vata Aggravation (Cold Sensitivity & Poor Circulation)
Symptoms: Cold extremities, joint stiffness, dryness
Causes: Cold weather, irregular eating habits, weak digestion
Ayurvedic Remedy: Warming foods like Ginger, Turmeric, Sesame Oil

Kapha Aggravation (Cold Retention & Dampness)
Symptoms: Water retention, sluggish digestion, excessive mucus
Causes: Heavy, oily, sweet foods, lack of movement
Ayurvedic Remedy: Light, dry foods like Triphala, Cinnamon, Black Pepper

Ayurvedic Therapies for Optimal Thermal Balance

At EliteAyurveda, we offer personalized treatments to restore body heat balance and improve metabolic function.

Panchakarma Detox for Thermal Regulation

Therapy	Thermal Effect
Virechana (Purgation Therapy)	Eliminates excess heat from the liver & digestive system
Abhyanga (Herbal Oil Massage)	Improves circulation & maintains warmth in the body
Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy)	Promotes sweating & removes excess Kapha
Nasya (Nasal Cleansing Therapy)	Clears congestion & improves respiratory heat exchange

Diet & Lifestyle Adjustments for Heat Balance

Foods That Regulate Body Temperature
Cooling Foods (For Excess Heat) – Coconut water, cucumber, ghee, mint
Warming Foods (For Cold Sensitivity) – Ginger, black pepper, nuts, hot soups
Hydrating Foods (For Kapha Balance) – Tulsi tea, honey, light cooked meals

Foods That Disrupt Thermal Balance
Excessively Spicy or Fried Foods – Overheats the body (Pitta imbalance)
Cold & Heavy Foods – Reduces metabolic fire (Kapha imbalance)
Excess Caffeine & Alcohol – Causes dehydration & disrupts circulation

Lifestyle Practices for Healthy Temperature Regulation
Yoga & Breathing Exercises – Balances Prana Vayu & internal heat
Hydration & Proper Sleep – Supports thermoregulation at night
Seasonal Adjustments – Ayurvedic Ritucharya to adapt to temperature changes

Real Patient Success Story

“I used to suffer from constant heat-related issues like excessive sweating, acidity, and heat rashes. After following a personalized Ayurvedic detox and cooling Pitta-balancing herbs, my body temperature has stabilized, and I feel much more balanced!”
— Ananya R., Bengaluru

From the Doctor’s Desk: Dr. Adil Moulanchikkal

“Thermal physiology plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to balancing body temperature by addressing the root causes through diet, detox, and lifestyle modifications. At EliteAyurveda, we ensure that each treatment plan aligns with an individual’s unique Prakriti (body type) and seasonal variations for long-term wellness.”