I once had a patient cry because I told her that she is healthy and she doesn’t require medications! Yes, I know it’s crazy but, the story goes like this.
Just a few days back, we had to check the Nadi (pulse) of 5 people from the same family. We did the Nadi pariksha and gave a detailed treatment plan for everybody except this lady who is in her 40s.
When I examined her, I found that her body was healthy. She didn’t need any medications at all. I told her she could live a healthy life if she simply followed the diet and exercise regimen. But then, something completely unexpected happened, she started crying! She wanted a treatment plan!
I was taken aback. Here she was, in perfect health, and yet she was upset that she wasn’t receiving a treatment plan. She wanted something to work on, something to “fix.”
It made me realize that people think Ayurveda is just about herbal medications or curing illnesses.
So here is the tea for you guys, while many people think of Ayurveda as just herbal medications for an illness, it’s much more than that.
It’s a complete guide to living a healthy life, focusing on balancing the body and mind.
Ayurveda is not just about treating illness, it’s about living in a way that promotes good health every day.
The word “Ayurveda” comes from the Sanskrit words “Ayu,” meaning ‘life’, and “Veda,” meaning ‘knowledge’. So, Ayurveda means “the knowledge of life.” It teaches us how to live in harmony with nature and how to stay healthy each and every day.
In Ayurveda, health is about balance. Just as the combination of humidity, sunlight, and wind in the right amount creates a comfortable weather, the proper balance of the three doshas namely vata, pitta, and kapha, ensures optimal health for the body. When any of these doshas are out of balance, it leads to discomfort, much like how changes in weather conditions can cause unease. When these doshas are in equilibrium, we experience a sense of well-being and vitality.
The goal of Ayurveda is to keep these doshas in balance, by practicing a proper diet, daily regimen, and most importantly having a check on our mental health.
That is exactly why Ayurveda is not just herbal medications.
Ayurveda’s Approach to Health
Healthy Diet and Digestion
Ayurveda places a lot of importance on what we eat, how we eat, how much we eat and when we eat.
A balanced diet is the key to good health. Ayurveda mentions that food is not just something we eat to satiate our hunger. Food can be medicine when eaten correctly and digested properly.
A well-balanced diet keeps our digestion strong and our tissues well nourished, which is the foundation of good health.
Daily Routine
Ayurveda teaches us that a regular daily routine which is called “Dinacharya” is essential for good health.
Simple practices like waking up before sunrise, cleansing the body, performing light exercises, relaxing, and undertaking spiritual practices based on your body type can help maintain a balanced life. These daily rituals support physical, mental, emotional and psychological health.
Physical activity
Asana abyasa and other limbs of yoga are a way of living, it is a part of Ayurveda. Asanas help to keep our body flexible and strong and improve focus and attention. Regular physical activity and meditation are both important for overall well-being.
When we refer to asanas, we encompass all the positions and postures we assume throughout the day, including sitting, standing, and how we carry ourselves.
Mental Health
Ayurveda mentions that manas plays a big role in how we feel physically. A balanced mind is the key to maintaining good health. For example, anger, frustration, and irritation increase pitta dosha in our body. Overthinking increases vata dosha. So, when we are emotionally unwell, our doshas are imbalanced, adversely impacting our physical health. Spiritual practices such as meditation and mindfulness, help improve mental health. Practices such as pranayama help improve our quality of life, and burn our samskaras (redundant habits) and vasanas (tendencies).
Panchakarma
Ayurveda includes a practice called “Panchakarma”, which is a method of restoring and improving the overall health of the tissues. This process helps restore balance and improve the body’s ability to withstand adversity. It’s a natural way of rejuvenating the body.
Hence, Ayurveda is not just about taking medicine when you’re sick. It’s a way of living that includes healthy eating, regular routines, physical activity, mental care, and spiritual practices. Ayurveda is about living wisely, understanding your own body and mind, and making choices that support health in every aspect of life. It’s a complete system of wellness that empowers you holistically.
