Ayurveda- A Traditional Therapy for Healthy Living

Blog written by: Sourav Pattanayak (M Pharm, MBA)

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medical and healthcare system. It is a long-standing ritual that dates back 5,000 years. Ayur + Veda, or "knowledge of life," is how Ayurveda is known. Ayurveda has developed over the millennia, and the majority of its treatments and remedies are described in revered historical old books. According to Minnesota's Centre for Spirituality & Healing, over 90% of Indians use some sort of ayurvedic treatment. It accounts for both physical and mental health. Products (mainly manufactured from plants, but occasionally from animals, metals, and minerals), nutrition, exercise, and manner of life are all part of Ayurvedic medicine.

You live a healthy existence if your body, mind, and soul are in harmony with the cosmos. You become ill when there is an imbalance or problem. According to Ayurveda, each individual is made up of the basic five components of the universe: space, air, water, fire, and earth.

Vata (air or space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (ether) are the three doshas recognized by Ayurveda.

Each person has all three doshas, but generally just one of them is more dominant than the others.

Following the Ayurvedic principle—that each individual has a unique constitution, or Prakriti that describes their physiology, mentality, and susceptibility to disease will help them achieve good health. Doshas, which are bodily energy, are based on Prakriti. One or two doshas are usually predominating in majority of people.

Pitta doshas are related to fire, and Pitta governs the endocrine and digestive systems. Arthritis, ulcers, digestive issues, inflammation, irritability, and heartburn are all symptoms of vitiated pitta doshas.

Vata- All physical movements, including breathing and blood circulation, are governed by vata, which means air and space. It is in charge of regulating every bodily activity, including breathing and blood circulation. People that think creatively and energetically are thought to be Vata dominant. Vata can become vitiated, which can result in joint discomfort, constipation, anxiety, and dry skin.

Kapha, which is associated mostly with the chest, torso, and back and resembles both earth and water, aids in controlling the body's growth and strength. Most Kapha individuals are calm and steady.

According to Ayurvedic physicians, vitiated Kapha causes fat, nasal troubles, diabetes, insecurities, and gallbladder problems.

According to Ayurvedic scriptures, things like stress, eating unhealthily, changing temperature and weather conditions, and poor relationships may all disrupt the body's doshas. These out-of-balance doshas make people more susceptible to illness.

Benefits of Ayurveda

Weight loss and maintenance-

Ayurveda can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle. By modification of modern lifestyle habits one can achieve healthy body weight. It can also help get rid of excess body fat. Ayurveda is majorly concerned about eating habits, not weight. We have to follow the correct dietary restriction then it’s possible to achieve a toned body.

1. Identify your body type- Each person has a distinctive physical constitution called doshas, according to Ayurveda. You may make suitable lifestyle and nutritional decisions for weight control by being aware of your dominant dosha.
2. Mindful eating- Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on the value of attentive eating. Eat in peace and quiet, chew your meal fully, and stay away from the TV and other technological distractions. Overeating can be avoided and digestion is aided by this approach.
3. Balancing- According to Ayurveda, you should eat foods that balance your dominant dosha. For instance, if you have an excess of Kapha, you should reduce heavy, greasy, and sweet meals and increase light, warm, and spicy foods.
4. Emphasize foods- Choose fresh, whole foods that have undergone minimal processing. Include a variety of whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats in your diet. Stay away from processed and refined meals, as they typically include high levels of harmful fats, sugar, and additives

Healthy and Glowing Skin and Hair-

To encourage good skin and hair, a balanced diet, toning workouts, and Ayurvedic supplements are sufficient. Ayurveda's general dietary recommendations emphasize eating fresh foods while taking into account your dosha type, medical history, local products, customs, and traditions. More emphasis is being placed on diets high in antioxidants, herbs, teas, veggies, protein, and heart-healthy fats.

1. Hydration- Healthy skin and hair depend on getting enough water into the body. To keep your body and skin hydrated throughout the day, drink lots of water.
2. Detoxification- The skin should be cleansed using mild, all-natural procedures, according to Ayurveda. To wash your skin, use organic cleansers such as rose water, honey, or herbal powders.
3. Facial massage- Regular facial massage with Ayurvedic oils can enhance blood flow, tone face muscles, and encourage a radiant complexion. Use dosha-compatible oils or all-purpose oils like almond or coconut oil.

Stress reduction-

Ayurveda promises a decrease in stress and anxiety when living a fast-paced lifestyle that offers little time for rest or renewal. The body may calm down, cleanse, and regenerate itself when yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, massages, and herbal therapies are regularly practiced. Yoga enhances the autonomic nervous system, which makes your mind alert and helps you focus clearly and stay energized all day. Breathing exercises prevent infections and allow the body cells to get abundant oxygen, which fosters consciousness. The practices of Shirodhara, Abhyangam, Shiroabhyangam, and Padabhyangam can be used to cure depression and anxiety.

1. Practice deep breathing and meditation- A great method for soothing the mind and lowering tension is meditation. Set a time each day specifically for meditation. Exercises that include deep breathing, such as "pranayama," can also aid in triggering the body's relaxation response.
2. Gentle exercise- Yoga, tai chi, and strolling are examples of moderate workouts that are encouraged by Ayurveda. These hobbies can reduce mental and physical stress and encourage relaxation.
3. Adequate sleep- To effectively manage stress, one needs regular, restorative sleep. Set up a relaxing bedtime ritual, make your bedroom a welcoming place to sleep, and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
4. Make mindfulness- Developing mindfulness and being in the present moment can help people feel less stressed and more at ease. Without passing judgment, pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Practice mindfulness by paying attention to your breath, eating mindfully, or walking.

Reduce inflammation-

Inflammation can result from poor food, unhealthy eating habits, inadequate sleep, inconsistent sleep patterns, and poor digestion. Inflammation is the starting point for many illnesses, including neurological conditions, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, lung illnesses, arthritis, and many more. The digestive system gets stronger as you start eating in accordance with your dosha type. Toxins in the blood and digestive system are decreased by eating specific meals at the proper times. Increased vitality, high energy, and a general decline in lethargy and mood swings are resultant outcomes of this. Cancer prevention is a well-known benefit of Ayurvedic therapy. The combination of turmeric and black pepper would be the greatest illustration of a herbal Ayurvedic recipe.

1. Follow herbal remedies- Ayurvedic plants which has soothing and stress-relieving effects include Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Jatamansi, and Shankhpushpi. These plants can be consumed as herbal supplements or in accordance with an ayurvedic doctor's recommendations.
2. Ayurvedic oil-massage- Warm herbal oils are used in abhyanga, a self-massage that helps ease tension and decrease inflammation. Choose essential oils that are right for your dosha, or ask an Ayurvedic doctor for individualized advice.

Reduce toxins from the body-

According to Ayurveda, there are several different types of toxins in our systems that need to be eliminated. Waste accumulation that, if not cleared promptly, can result in diseases and physical injury to our bodies. In India, there are several Ayurveda and health retreats that provide procedures like Panchakarma therapy, Mud Therapy, Acupuncture, Shirodhara Treatment, and others. Your body, soul, and mind will be thoroughly rejuvenated by all those Ayurvedic treatments.

Improves immunity-

Ayurveda advises combining a balanced diet rich in minerals, herbs, and proteins that aid in the treatment of illnesses. The body's defense mechanisms are strengthened by Ayurveda, and the Agni is kept robust as well. Additionally, the likelihood of developing poison is decreased when our body's digestive fire is powerful. It boosts immunity and purifies the body. To establish optimal balance and boost immunity, you need to embrace an ayurvedic lifestyle.

Stronger digestion-

Your digestive system will become more robust as soon as you start referring to your dosha. When you eat certain meals at the proper times of the day, your digestive system will be stimulated, which will reduce the buildup of toxins in your digestive system. You won't feel sluggish; as a result, it will give you more energy. Maintaining a healthy weight and feeling less irritated are two additional benefits of having normal digestion.

References

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