What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a time tested healthcare system that originated in India. Through the ages, (for at least 5000 years), it has observed, explored and documented both chronic and acute diseases, advised a lifestyle and diet that suggests both management as well as prevention of these health issues at every stage of their manifestation.
“Ayus” means longevity or age and “Veda” is wisdom. Ayurveda offers us the wisdom of longevity and health through our lifestyle, diet, stability of mind and consciousness within. It emphasizes that our individual ability to transform the food we take in, the emotions we feel and the thoughts and concepts we form and engage in greatly dictate our well being and enhance our immune system.
Often known as the Mother of Healing Sciences, it offers scientific debate of Natural Phenomena that is being researched, followed and propagated today in Modern Science, Universities and Pharmacology. The healing effects of Turmeric, its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, the anti-fungal qualities of neem and its use as a natural herbicide and the rejuvenative effects of Ashwagandha are some of the legacies of Ayurveda today.
Ayurveda believes that humans are an integral part of Nature and are manifestations of the basic materials found in Nature, so remedies for any health issues will also be found in nature. It is a Holistic Form of healthcare offered in our Society today.
Ayurveda’s Holistic Nature and impact today.
Ayurveda is an ecological and sustainable healthcare discipline with a sound scientific basis. It offers very sophisticated methods of processing herbs and minerals, and uses suitable carriers that aid in delivering the remedies to the targeted tissue in the body. This carrier can vary from water, to milk, honey, oil, tinctures, decoctions or ghee. It all depends on what is the most effective way to impact the particular complaint with the least amount of disturbance to the rest of the body. Eg: bone is dense with a lot of porosity. Remedies in tincture form bypass the digestive system and transfer the herb through the spaces of the body in a more efficient way and time.
Body, Mind and Soul.
The unique attribute of Ayurveda is that it acknowledges that the Human Being has three components: Body, Mind and Soul. In all complaints it addresses all three. Of these three the mind is given the utmost importance. This is because it is the processing unit that coordinates the Body and Soul. The three work together and impact each other. A person suffering from Depression while being given herbs, is also recommended a diet, and exercises for the Mind so that the Immune System as well as a strong mindset can be developed.
Ayurvedic Definition of Health.
Ayurveda describes having good health as someone who has good digestion, with a sound digestive fire, healthy tissues, healthy excrements, a peaceful mind and sharp sensory perceptions. It offers disciplines and practices to develop each of these. Closely linked to Yoga as well, there is much research being done today on Meditation, conscious mindfulness and the quality of one’s breath.
Ayurveda acknowledges that the SUN is the biggest life giving force on our planet. Following the movement of the sun, we can tap into the solar forces to build our bodies, steady our mind and strengthen our immunity. This is why Ayurveda recommends we awaken at sunrise and sleep by 10pm. Modern Science today acknowledges the Dawn Phenomenon at 4am, when the body releases extra blood sugar in the blood, readying the body for its daily activities. It is natural to wake up early. Ayurveda recommends we eat our heaviest meal at noon, when the sun is overhead and our digestive fire is the strongest in the Day. Ayurveda has a wide number of suggestions for Diet , Exercises and Lifestyles for the Modern Day individual so they are better equipped to meet the challenges of today while learning tools to decompress and harmonize themselves.
A consultation with an AHC (Ayurvedic Health Counsellor) or an AP (Ayurveda Practitioner) can shed light onto recommended diet and lifestyle changes that are pertinent to you. Ayurveda is not a one size fits all method. Its principles are applied in a way unique to the individual in question. A Counsellor or a Practitioner will diagnose your constitution at birth, define your natural tendencies and weaknesses and design a diet and lifestyle list of recommendations tailored specifically to you.
Ayurvedic Detox/ Pancha Karma
In addition to preventative practices Ayurveda has methods of detoxifying the body and mind for periods ranging from 7 days to two month retreats. Undigested food (Ama) is the first stage of creating toxicity in the body. With time these toxins lodge deeper into the tissues, becoming “hard toxins.” Ama now weakens and stresses the tissues and this slowly festers into a disease. Ayurveda has a way of liquefying these toxins so they flow back into the digestive tract and then purges them out.
It is not enough to live preventatively or detox. With age there is wear and tear. With detoxing, the tissues have softened. It is very important to revitalize our bodies and strengthen our immune system again, before we are able to live harmoniously in our environment and enjoy good health again. Ayurveda offers great rejuvenative tools, both with natural aging and in recovery instances.
The beauty of Ayurveda is that its practices are timeless and as relevant today as they were 5000 years ago. Ayurveda gently leads the individual to take the reigns in their own hands and be responsible for their own journey in health and wellbeing.