Ayurveda is a branch of Vedic Science that defies the science of life. Having its roots in India over 5000 years ago, it has gained worldwide popularity due to its magical prowess in treating various diseases. According to experts, this ancient science works both as preventive and curative medicine, promoting daily self-care as a strategy to lead a happy and contented life.
If legends are to be believed, Ayurveda is the fundamental root of traditional Chinese Medicine. In India and abroad, several Ayurveda schools are helping people adopt Ayurveda and lead a life devoid of stress, tension, and chronic diseases.
However, have you ever thought about what makes Ayurveda so practical and revolutionary in this fast-paced world? Well, that’s the scope of this blog! We’ve provided a brief introduction to Ayurveda to help you adopt the Ayurvedic lifestyle.
What is Ayurveda?
The name “Ayurveda” has been derived from two Sanskrit words, “ayuh” meaning “life” or “longevity” and veda, meaning “science” or “sacred knowledge.”. The definition, therefore, roughly translates as “the science of longevity” or “the sacred knowledge of life.”
According to veterans who’ve been practicing Ayurveda for quite some time, people are responsible for creating the state of health based on how we interact with the environment. By making choices that support our inner-self, they can lead a harmonious life. It can help them
- Sync up with our inner-self.
- Develop key strengths.
- Overcome weaknesses.
- Redirect detrimental tendencies
- Maintain balance in the face of adversity.
What are the Fundamental Ayurvedic Principles?
Before you enroll in any ayurvedic institute for adopting an ayurvedic lifestyle, you must know the fundamental principles of Ayurveda. These are essential for interpreting nature’s laws, identifying various states of health or imbalance, and charting a course toward improved well-being. Examining and understanding these core principles will help you decipher what makes Ayurveda such timeless art and science.
According to traditional ayurveda schools, Ayurveda recognizes five elements as the fundamental building blocks of nature. These are – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). They further add that every substance contains all five of these elements. With that being said, in a given substance, one or two elements are typically predominant over the others.
The Gunas and Doshas in Ayurveda
There’re three doshas (bodily humors), namely vata, pitta, and kapha that Ayurveda identifies. The doshas or some combination of them can be identified in various seasons, climates, landscapes, activities, plants, and animals, each of which embodies a combination of elements and qualities to create a functional entity or an energetic force of nature. According to renowned Ayurveda institutes, all three doshas are present in all human beings, but the ratio varies from person to person.
Ayurveda also identifies twenty Gunas (qualities) that can be used to describe every substance or experience. These qualities are organized into ten pairs of opposites. The Gunas are essential to understand the Ayurvedic principle.
The Ayurvedic Lifestyle
The doshas and imbalances are often the result of poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle. The goal of ayurvedic treatment is to restore the health of the person, and not just treating the symptom causing the imbalance. Typically, an ayurvedic lifestyle plan includes –
Diet
The diet recommendations are based on each person’s individual temperament and the season. Certain foods will balance or create imbalance. Fresh vegetables, whole grains, and certain legumes, nuts, and dairy products can provide healthy stabilization for each dosha. In general, the recommendations to prevent imbalances for each dosha are as follows –
- Vata: Reducing the consumption of cold, crunchy, and salty foods and carbonated and caffeinated drinks.
- Pitta: Reducing the consumption of spicy, fried, and meaty foods and excessive alcohol.
- Kapha: Reducing the consumption of creamy, sweet, and overly heavy foods and drinks.
Exercise
Exercising daily is essential for overall health and well-being. According to renowned Ayurveda schools, the type, intensity, and amount of physical activity necessary depend on the individual.
Yoga & Meditation
It’s essential to pacify the mind and learn to listen to one’s body for establishing a relationship with mother nature. Practicing yoga and meditation regularly helps all doshas become more balanced.
Here was a brief introduction to Ayurveda. Let us know if you’ve any queries in the comment section. Also, share your thoughts on Ayurveda and why you think it’s necessary to adopt the ayurvedic lifestyle in the 21st century.
