Science has developed numerous medicines and it is not wrong to say that the advancements in the biological and medicinal science have been possible only recently. Before that, when people didn’t have science, they had their own ways of curing illnesses. Some of these ways have lived through the ages and are still curing people even in this age. One of them is Ayurveda.
What is Ayurveda?
Approximately 5,000 years ago, the Vedic culture of India developed a system of herbal medicine and techniques to help cure diseases that do not only relate to the body but also to the mind. They called it Ayurveda.
The word itself is a combination of two other words:
- a) Ayur meaning life, and
- b) Veda meaning knowledge.
Thus, we can easily say that Ayurveda is the science of curing life of all the illnesses that plague both mind and body.
Ayurveda Principles
As the techniques that had been formed centuries ago concentrate on mind and body, the guiding principles thus rest upon these two.
The first principle is that our mind and our body are inseparable. They are not only physically but also abstractly connected to each other.
The second principle is that since our mind and body are connected, they can heal each other. However, the emphasis is more on the mind.
What it means that if there is anything wrong with the body: some illness, then the mind can be trained and utilized through Ayurveda techniques to eliminate that wrong.
The Tri-Dosha
Dosha is the term of Ayurveda which refers to 3 basic body types. According to the concept, each human being has a unique body type based on the three kinds of energies:
a) Vata
This type of energy is in charge of creativity and associated with breathing, circulation, and motion. People who have this type of body are thin, energetic and have a fast metabolism.
b) Pitta
Pitta focuses on everything related to digestion, and assimilation of food, and the energy that is extracted from it. Pitta types are hardworking and motivated people when balanced.
c) Kapha
The nourishment our body receives is because of Kapha, according to the Ayurvedic concept. Kapha is associated with growth both mentally and physically. It is also related to immunity and defense systems of our body. Kapha types are supporting and loving people.
The energies we talked about need to stay in balance in our bodies. If the balance somehow is lost, then that condition is of illness. Thus, to bring that balance to its place again, Ayurveda has many exercises and medicines. When we practice these exercises and take these medicines when needed, we can surely improve our daily life.
Why Should We Implement Ayurveda in Our Daily Life?
We should practice this ancient science in order to keep our doshas in perfect balance.
There are many illnesses that can be fought with it including:
- Dementia
- Herpes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Asthma
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Stress
- Digestion problems
- Toxicities
- Inflammation
- Hormonal imbalance
Which treatment to follow?
There are as much as 20 treatments of Ayurveda. However, the ones which are mainstream and prominent in helping patients with many conditions are:
1) Rasayana
These are mantras combined with herbs. The mantras are repeated during meditation. You can find these chants on AyurvedSadhna.
2) Pranayama
These are simple breathing exercises to get rid of stress and remain calm. Yoga Journal has collected some of them which you can try daily.
3) Yoga
Yoga combines many Ayurveda aspects. These aspects are Rasayana, Pranayama, and other physical exercises. By practicing a combination of these exercises daily you will see a reduction in your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, anxiety, muscular pain, and an improvement in digestion.
In order to get you started, you can learn these 10 basic poses by NDTV.
4) Abhyanga
This is an Ayurveda practice of rubbing warm oil on your skin in order to remove the toxins from your body and increase blood circulation.
Since it is a self-massage, you don’t need anyone else to help you out. All you need to know is how to do it correctly. Whole Some Ayurveda can help you with it.
5) Pancha Karma
When it comes to detoxifying your body completely, nothing can beat Pancha Karma in Ayurveda. If you go to an Ayurveda practitioner, they would use methods such as causing you sweat, improving your bowel movements, and other ones to clean your body.
However, if you are averse to seeing a practitioner, then Life Spahas gathered some techniques you can try at home.
6) Herbal Medicine
Natural medicine made from the mixture of herbs is quite beneficial and have no side effects. These herbs can help boost the positive effects of other Ayurvedic treatments. Sundara Holistic has gathered a list of 10 herbs which you can incorporate into your daily life.
Keep in mind that conventional medicine is not perfect and that holistic approaches are definitely something to look into.
Add Comment