Ayurveda

Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit root words: Ayur, literally means Life, and veda, means the Science or Knowledge. Thus it would be safe to call Ayurveda as the ‘Science of life’ more than a mere system of treating an illness. Ayurveda, is the art of living in harmony with nature. Ayurveda emerged as a branch of Atharva, One of the four Vedas or treatises (Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharva Veda) that form the basis of the Indian medical philosophy. Ayurveda is a holistic Indian system of medicine, works to provide a flexible guidance to attain a state of positive health. Its treatment and techniques is also flexible for people with health challenges.

History of Ayurveda

The historical evidence of Ayurveda can be found in ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas. Atharva Veda, that is known to have been written over 10,000 years ago, describes Ayurveda as a system that helps maintain health in a person by using the inherent principles of nature to bring the individual back into equilibrium with their true self. The ancient rishis or seers of truth, discovered truth by means of religious practices & disciplines. Through intensive meditation, they manifested truth in their daily lives. Ayurvedic system of health is conversance of practical, philosophical & religious experiences of the great sages.

Ayurveda and Science

In Ayurveda, whole of life’s journey is considered to be sacred. Through its scientific approach to human life, Ayurveda works to harness the intricate abilities of human body and mind. With its philosophical approach to human life, Ayurveda preaches us to recognize ourselves as miniscule component of this magnificent universe. The philosophy of Ayurveda also teaches a series of conceptual systems characterized by balance & disorder and health & disease. The physiological and pharmacological concepts of Ayurveda are structured in "whole- someness". Therefore, the Ayurvedic description of "human body" and the "drugs" are dealt from a holistic plane. Even their "interface" is identified from a holistic perspective.

There are three doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Vata (wind energy)

Vata is predominantly composed of the space and air elements. It is the energy that is linked to creativity & flexibility and controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking, tissue movement, cellular mobility, heartbeat and the communication between mind and the nervous system. When an imbalance of vata dosha occurs in the body, it can produce fear and anxiety.

Pitta (fire energy)

Pitta is principally made up of the fire and water elements and is an amalgamation of the hot, sharp, light, liquid, oily, and subtle qualities. Pitta is neither mobile nor stable, but spreads. It controls the body's metabolic systems including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and your body's temperature. When in balance, it lends contentment & intelligence and its imbalance can cause ulcers and anger.

Kapha (water energy)

Kapha is composed primarily of the earth and water elements. It is the energy that lends structure and solidity to all things and provides the cohesiveness needed to maintain a particular form. It controls growth in body and provides water to all parts of the body. As a result, it hydrates all cells and systems, lubricates the joints, moisturizes the skin, maintains immunity and protects the tissues. When in balance, it is expressed as love and forgiveness; and when it goes out of balance it can lead to feelings of insecurity & envy.

Benefits of Ayurveda Based Lifestyle

  • It increases immunity
  • It is natural
  • Removes diseases from the root
  • Improves bodily functions
  • It has no side-effects
  • Increases one’s life span
  • Relaxes, rejuvenates & revitalizes
  • It recommends eating foods that are easily available, non-toxic & aids in healing
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight

Ayurveda for Everyday Life

Ayurveda has three main focuses: healing, prevention & healthcare. Health care includes maintenance of good health as well as rejuvenation and methods to achieve longevity. Ayurvedic Home Remedies can prove effective in treating various ailments. But the main focus is on prevention as it is easier to maintain health than to restore it once it has become a wreck.

Ayurveda places great amount of importance on one’s lifestyle, eating habits and daily routine. It also provides guidance on how one can adjust his/her lifestyle according to the surroundings and inclusion of ayurvedic products and medicinal plants to lead a healthy lifestyle. Including Ayurveda in your everyday life does not require you to undergo a major lifestyle change.