What is Ayurveda 101 - The Science of Life
- Ayurveda is called the science of life, and there is a reason why Ayurveda has withstood the test of time for over 5000 years.
- Ayurveda believes in "Swasthasya swastha rakshanam aturasya vikara prashamanam Cha," meaning it’s a complete science that believes in living in good health and protecting oneself from diseases.
- Today, as the modern world seeks natural wellness, more people are curious about “What is Ayurveda?” and finding practical, life-changing answers.
The Roots of Ayurveda:
- Ayurveda has its prime origin in the Atharvaveda. Being deep-rooted in the ancient Vedic period, Ayurveda is a holistic system of health that focuses on balancing the body and mind.
- "Ayurveda” is a Sanskrit word derived from two roots: “Ayur,” which means life, and “Veda,” meaning knowledge. Knowledge arranged systematically with logic becomes science.
- During the due course of time, Ayurveda became the science of life. Ayurveda views health not merely as the absence of disease but as a state of balance between the mind and body.
- It states that every person has a unique body constitution called “Deha Prakriti” that determines their physical and mental build.
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By understanding our body constitution, following the Ayurvedic dinacharya (daily routines) and proper Ahara (diet) and Vihara (lifestyle), we can prevent the imbalance of Doshas and restore health naturally.
The History and Legacy of Ayurveda:
- Ayurveda’s history dates back more than 5000 years, with foundational texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya.
- These works describe the evolution of Ayurveda, herbs, herbal formulations, surgical procedures, and diagnostic techniques.
- Unlike modern systems, Ayurveda sees each individual as a microcosm of the universe.
- Health is the state of balance between the dosha, dhatu, and mana (mind).
Core Principles of Ayurveda: Doshas, Elements & Constitution:
- Ayurveda is based on the interplay of “Panchmahabhutas” (five elements), which are earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
- These mahabhutas, or elements, combine to form three doshas, which are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They govern all bodily and mental functions.
- Everyone has all three doshas, but in unique proportions, creating their personal prakriti, or body constitution.
- When our doshas are balanced, we are in the healthiest form.
- An imbalance in doshas due to stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, or seasonal changes can cause disease to take root.
- Ayurveda helps us recognize and correct these imbalances early through lifestyle, medicines, and mindfulness.
Understanding the Three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha):
1. Understanding Vata Dosha: The Energy of Movement
- Vata is composed of air and space.
- Vata governs motion, breathing, circulation, nerve impulses, and elimination.
- Vata-dominant people are often creative, quick-thinking, energetic, and enthusiastic.
- When vata is imbalanced, they may feel anxious or restless or experience dryness in the skin or joints.
2. Understanding Pitta Dosha: The Energy of Transformation
- Pitta is made of fire and water; Pitta controls metabolism, digestion, and energy production.
- Pitta prakriti people are often intelligent and strong-willed.
- Excess Pitta can lead to irritability, skin issues, or digestive acidity.
(Know how to balance Pitta using Ayurvedic oils)
3. Understanding Kapha Dosha: The Energy of Structure and Stability
- Kapha is composed of earth and water.
- Kapha gives the body strength, stability, endurance, and calmness.
- Kapha-dominant individuals are steady, affectionate, and loyal, but an imbalance may lead to sluggishness or weight gain.
(Deep dive to get to understand how to balance the Kapha)
Ayurvedic Daily Routine (Dinacharya) for Dosha Balance:
Ayurveda claims that health is developed daily, not episodically. Following the Ayurvedic daily routine (dinacharya) supports the balance of all doshas.
Ayurvedic Dinacharya Process:
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Waking up early: The most auspicious time to wake is before sunrise, that is, Brahma Muhurta. This is predominantly Kapha time.
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Eliminate naturally: Regular bowel movements cleanse the system.
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Danta Dhavan (Oral care): Brushing with medicinal herbs, regular tongue scraping, and oil pulling (gandusha) are included in this.
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Self-massage (Abhyanga): Applying warm sesame or medicated oil as per recommendation to nourish the body and calm the mind.
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Light exercise: The practice of yoga or brisk walking helps energize and balance doshas.
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Food intake: Have the largest meal when digestion is strongest, preferably at midday, as it's pitta time.
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Sleep: Aim to be in bed early by 10 p.m. to align with the body’s natural rest cycle.
Pro Tip:
This cycle not just focuses on physical health but also on emotional stability and mental focus.
Ayurvedic Diet: Food as Nourishment and Medicine
- This diet focuses on food that supports our doshas and changing seasons. It does not simply count calories but observes the qualities of food.
- The Ayurvedic diet mainly focuses on eating freshly prepared meals. Avoid processed or frozen foods.
- Ayurveda mentions 6 rasas (tastes). Including all six tastes in each meal ensures balance. Eat mindfully, without distraction, and stop before feeling full.
What are the 6 tastes?
- Sweet
- Sour
- Salty
- Bitter
- Pungent
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Astringent
- Food in Ayurveda is both nourishment and medicine. It can soothe or aggravate, depending on how and when it’s consumed.
- For example, ginger tea can improve digestion, while herbs like coriander or fennel can calm the overheated Pitta.
Is Ayurveda Safe? What You Should Know:
- Ayurveda is mostly safe and supportive. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, Ayurveda deals with focusing on your body constitution and then the treatment.
- The key treatment lies in personalization, which only an Ayurvedic physician can recommend. Self-prescription or using medicines for a long duration is inadvisable.
Note:
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any Ayurvedic treatment.
Modern Relevance of Ayurveda: Why It Matters Today
- In modern-day life, there is a rise in many lifestyle disorders, insomnia, digestive issues, and anxiety.
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By focusing on diet and lifestyle, a major portion of the diseases can be resolved.
- In addition, scientific evidence stating the gut-brain connection, circadian rhythm regulation, etc., all proves the need for correcting diet and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Life with Ayurveda 101
- Ayurveda not only cures the disease but also maintains a balanced life.
- Doshas, which constitute the body, have to be kept in normalcy to stay unafflicted by diseases. This is what Ayurveda throws light on.