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How To Overcome Cibophobia? – Hinduism Solutions And Practical Approaches

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 Overcoming Cibophobia through Hinduism: Practical Solutions, Spiritual Approaches, and Mantras

Cibophobia, or the fear of food, is a challenging condition that can disrupt daily life. Hinduism, with its deep spiritual roots and holistic health approaches, offers various practical, psychological, and spiritual remedies to overcome cibophobia. The integration of devotion (bhakti), yogic practices, and mantras dedicated to specific deities can offer inner strength, peace, and healing.

Practical Day-to-Day Solutions

  1. Mindful Eating (Upasana with Bhog)

    • Spiritualizing Food: Hindus consider food as sacred (prasadam) when offered to a deity before consumption. Offering food to God (especially Annapurna Devi or Ganesha) can help reduce fear and anxiety. This simple act transforms food from a mere necessity into a divine blessing.
    • Affirmations Before Meals: Chant a small mantra or affirmation before eating. An example could be, "This food nourishes me and brings health and vitality."
    • Slow Eating Practice: Start by eating small portions and chewing each bite mindfully, meditating on the nourishment and life force it provides.

  2. Ayurvedic Dietary Guidelines

    • Balancing the Doshas: According to Ayurveda, food that is tailored to your dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) can reduce food-related anxieties. Eat grounding, calming foods like warm, freshly cooked meals, and avoid extreme tastes (too spicy, too cold).
    • Herbal Remedies: Brahmi or Ashwagandha can help alleviate stress and anxiety around eating. Tulsi (Holy Basil) tea before meals can calm the mind.

  3. Breathing Techniques (Pranayama)

    • Practice deep breathing (Anulom Vilom) before meals to calm the nervous system. This helps reduce the fear associated with eating and aids digestion.

  4. Yoga for Emotional Balance

    • Asanas like Sukhasana (Easy Pose) or Shavasana (Corpse Pose) are effective in calming anxiety. Balasana (Child’s Pose) is also great for grounding and reducing stress.

Mantras for Overcoming Cibophobia

Mantras are vibrations that help cleanse mental and spiritual blockages. Chanting them with faith and concentration can remove inner obstacles like fear and anxiety.

  1. Annapurna Devi Mantra (Goddess of Nourishment)

    • Annapurna Devi is the goddess of food and nourishment. Worshipping her removes fear associated with eating and ensures an abundant supply of healthy food.
    • Mantra:
      "Om Annapurne Sadapurne Shankara Prana Vallabhe
      Jnana Vairagya Siddhyartham Bhiksham Dehi Cha Parvati"
    • Meaning: O Goddess Annapurna, You are the sustainer of the universe and the beloved consort of Lord Shiva. Grant me wisdom and detachment and provide me with the grace to overcome my fears.

  2. Ganesha Mantra (Remover of Obstacles)

    • Lord Ganesha is revered for removing obstacles, including mental blocks like fear.
    • Mantra:
      "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah"
    • Meaning: I bow to Lord Ganesha who removes all obstacles, including fear and anxiety. He grants success and clears mental hurdles.

  3. Durga Mantra (Protection from Fear)

    • Goddess Durga, as a fierce warrior goddess, helps dispel fear, protect the mind, and provide inner strength.
    • Mantra:
      "Om Dum Durgayei Namah"
    • Meaning: I bow to Goddess Durga, who protects me from all dangers and fears.

  4. Hanuman Mantra (Courage and Strength)

    • Hanuman, the embodiment of fearlessness and devotion, offers immense strength to overcome deep-seated fears.
    • Mantra:
      "Om Hanumate Namah"
    • Meaning: I invoke Lord Hanuman, who grants me the courage to overcome fear and the strength to move forward with confidence.

  5. Narasimha Mantra (For Mental and Physical Protection)

    • Lord Narasimha, the fierce form of Vishnu, is invoked to overcome deep-rooted fears and protect from negativity.
    • Mantra:
      "Om Namo Bhagavate Narasimhaya"
    • Meaning: I bow to Lord Narasimha, who removes fear and protects me from negative forces that may arise internally or externally.

  6. Dhanvantari Mantra (For Healing and Health)

    • Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, can be invoked for healing and overcoming physical and mental health challenges.
    • Mantra:
      "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye
      Amrita Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya
      Sarva Roga Nivaranaya Trai Lokya Pathaye Trai Lokya Nithaye
      Shri Maha Vishnave Namah"
    • Meaning: I bow to Lord Dhanvantari, the master of healing, who eliminates all fears and diseases, bringing health and peace.

Stories from Hindu Scriptures

  1. Story of Annapurna and Shiva
    Once, Lord Shiva asked Goddess Parvati, who incarnated as Annapurna, why the world needs food when renunciation should suffice. Annapurna smiled and disappeared, and the world fell into famine. Shiva realized that the physical body must be sustained, and food is a form of divine grace. This story highlights the sacredness of food and how accepting it with reverence eliminates fear.

  2. Hanuman’s Strength through Bhakti
    Lord Hanuman, who was once unaware of his strength, was reminded by the gods of his potential. This echoes the concept that by invoking inner strength and divine blessings, even the most daunting fears (like cibophobia) can be overcome with perseverance and faith.

Ideal Deities for Worship

  1. Goddess Annapurna: The most direct deity for overcoming cibophobia, she is the goddess of food and nourishment.
  2. Lord Ganesha: As the remover of obstacles, Ganesha can clear the mental and emotional barriers related to fear of food.
  3. Goddess Durga: Offers protection from all fears, including psychological ones like cibophobia.
  4. Lord Hanuman: Helps boost confidence, courage, and resolve to confront fears head-on.
  5. Lord Narasimha: His ferocity against demons symbolizes overcoming inner demons of fear and anxiety.
  6. Lord Dhanvantari: As the divine healer, he ensures physical and mental well-being, making eating a more pleasurable and anxiety-free experience.
  7. Ashwini Kumaras: Known for their healing abilities, invoking them can help with disorders related to anxiety and food.

Inspiring Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

  1. Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 6, Verse 16-17):
    "He who is temperate in his habits of eating, sleeping, working, and recreation can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga of devotion."

    • This emphasizes the importance of moderation in food and lifestyle to conquer fears and maintain balance.

  2. Chandogya Upanishad (7.26.2):
    "Food is the source of strength, and through strength, the mind becomes strong and healthy."

    • Here, the Upanishad highlights the spiritual connection between food and mental well-being, reinforcing the idea that accepting food without fear nourishes both the body and the mind.

Importance of Faith and Devotion (Bhakti Yoga)

  • Bhakti (Devotion): Approaching food with the mindset that it is a blessing from the divine helps dissolve mental barriers. This is a key aspect of bhakti yoga, where the act of eating becomes an offering to the divine.
  • Kirtans and Devotional Songs: Listening to or singing devotional songs to deities like Annapurna, Ganesha, or Durga can ease anxiety and invoke divine protection and strength.


Overcoming cibophobia through Hinduism involves both practical and spiritual approaches. From mindful eating and Ayurvedic practices to the powerful mantras of Annapurna, Ganesha, Durga, and Hanuman, the path to healing lies in balancing the body, mind, and spirit. By invoking divine grace, engaging in practices like pranayama and yoga, and fostering a devotional connection with food, one can gradually overcome the fear of eating and embrace nourishment as a divine act.