What is Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a time-tested healthcare system that originated in India.
Through the ages, for at least the past 5000 years, it has observed, explored, and documented both chronic and acute diseases. Based on this, Ayurveda advises following a lifestyle and diet that shows benefit in both managing and preventing these health issues at every stage of their manifestation.
“Ayus” means longevity or age and “Veda” is wisdom. Ayurveda offers us the wisdom necessary for gaining health and longevity through our lifestyle, diet, stability of mind, and cultivation of our consciousness within. It emphasizes that our ability to transform the food we take in, the emotions we feel, and the thoughts and concepts we form greatly dictate our well being and enhance our immune system.
Often known as the “Mother of Healing Sciences”, it offers scientific debate on natural phenomena that are being researched and propagated today in modern medical science. For example, 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 found around the world today.
“Ayus” means longevity or age and “Veda” is wisdom.
Ayurveda’s Holistic Nature and Impact
Ayurveda is a holistic form of healthcare offered in our society today. It 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.
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, alcohol, 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 is not only given herbs but is also advised in best diet and lifestyle practices to support a healthy body, strong immune system, and a balanced mindset.
Ayurvedic Definition of Health
Ayurveda sees many markers for health including good digestion, with a sound digestive fire, healthy tissues, healthy elimination of waste, sharp sensory perceptions, and a peaceful mind. It offers disciplines and practices to develop each of these. It is closely linked to Yoga and yogic practices, such as meditation, conscious mindfulness, and improving the quality of one’s breath are incorporated as well.
Preventative Practices
Ayurveda acknowledges that the SUN is the biggest life giving force on our planet. By aligning our day’s activities with the movements 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 acknowledges the “Dawn Phenomenon.” This is when the body releases extra sugar into the blood at 4am, readying the body for its daily activities. It is natural to wake up at this time. Ayurveda recommends we eat our heaviest meal between noon and two, when the sun is overhead and our digestive fire is the strongest of the day. Ayurveda has a wide number of suggestions for diet , exercises and lifestyle for the modern individual so they are better equipped to meet the challenges of today while utilizing ancient tools to decompress and harmonize themselves with their environments.
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 Counselor or a Practitioner will diagnose your unique birth constitution by identifying your natural tendencies and weaknesses and design a diet and lifestyle list of recommendations tailored specifically to you.
Ayurvedic Detox, Panchakarma
In addition to preventative practices, Ayurveda has methods of detoxifying the body and mind for periods ranging from 7 day 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 can then weaken and stress the tissues and this can slowly fester into disease. Ayurveda has a way of liquefying these toxins so they flow back into the digestive tract and then purges them out.
Rejuvenation Therapy
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 reins in their own hands and be responsible for their own journey in health and well-being.
