Ayurveda is believed to be one of the oldest systems of healing. It is more than 5000 years old. Ayurveda is described in the Charak Samhita, which is believed to be from the period 400–200 BCE and is considered as one of the oldest books of Ayurveda. The meaning of Ayurveda is the knowledge of life. It contains a wealth of knowledge that can help us lead a healthy life even in modern times. Our lives have changed a lot in comparison to ancient times. But for living a healthy and disease-free life, the knowledge imparted in Ayurveda is applicable in modern times also. By adopting the principles of Ayurveda, we can get prevention from many lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, etc. Ayurveda is an ancient contribution to modern health, that can guide us to the path of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
What is Ayurveda?
According to Charaka ( the editor of the medical treatise entitled Charak Samhita)- Charaka defines Ayurveda as, “That science is designated as Ayurveda which deals with advantage and disadvantage as well as happy and unhappy states of life along with what is good and bad for life, its measurement and the life itself” (Charak sutra 1-4).
Ayurveda is a way of living. It covers very vast areas. Ayurveda provides the knowledge for healthy living by focusing on gut health. It is the original functional healing system, that covers each and every aspect of life. Like- gut health and the microbiome, massage, herbs, diet, food, lifestyle, planets, architecture, mental health, physical health, etc. In fact, it is a manual for leading a healthy life. For more reading- Ayurveda- leads to a healthy life. <<= Click on.
Why Ayurveda is called the mother of all healing systems?
Ayurveda texts and practices date back thousands of years. Early greek medicines embraced many concepts originally described in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Tibetan and Chinese medicines also have their roots in Ayurveda.
The principles on which the Ayurvedic system is based- are applicable to each and every one. Ayurveda principles are adopted- from their inception to centuries after centuries for the benefit of ailing humanity. As per Vedic philosophy, human beings are part of nature. Animals and plants are interdependent on each other and have a symbiotic relationship. Unlike animals, humans live in a more complex natural world. Humans are constantly exposed to environmental changes like- weather, diet, work, society, economy, and lifestyle. These forces may negatively impact human health. Ayurveda provides a thorough knowledge by showing a path to live a healthy disease-free life. For more reading- Ayurveda- The knowledge of life. <<= Click here.
How Ayurveda- an ancient healing system is contributing to modern health?
Ayurveda provides comprehensive physical and spiritual knowledge. It is one of the oldest medical systems known to mankind. The principles of Ayurveda teach us to understand and maintain a balance between body and mind and to live in harmony with nature. As per Ayurveda, mind, and consciousness work together to maintain the balance between life energies or doshas. Balance of energies is considered good health. whereas imbalance between energies is called ill health. The pattern of energies in every individual varies. While providing treatment these energy patterns are taken into consideration and accordingly, treatment is advised by suggesting required changes in lifestyle, eating habits, and by using herbs, yoga, massage, and meditation. For more reading- Ayurveda- Natural way to a healthy life. <<= Click here.
Ayurveda- an ancient contribution to modern health
Ayurveda is an ancient science providing- contribution to modern health in many ways. Following are few ways that clearly indicate Ayurveda being ancient science still making a large contribution to modern people’s health.
Reducing obesity:-
Obesity is the risk factor for many diseases like- diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc. By consuming a healthy diet and making lifestyle changes as per Ayurveda- obesity can be controlled and a healthy B.M.I. (body, mass, index) can be achieved. Ayurvedic treatments help us to shed extra fat accumulated in our bodies. It helps us to detox our body through correct dietary restrictions.
Cutting down stress levels:-
Continuous stress levels- very common in today’s world may also lead to many health problems like- high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, headache, depression, low immunity, etc. By adopting Ayurveda practices, you can cut down stress levels. Regular practices of yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, massage, and herbal treatments allow your body to calm down, rejuvenate, and detoxify.
Yoga:-
Yoga improves the alertness of your mind by strengthening the autonomous nervous system. By practicing yoga- the mind becomes alert. And you will feel energized and are able to focus well.
Breathing Exercises:-
Breathing exercise helps us to improve the oxygen level in our body. It strengthens our respiratory system. Practices like Shirodhara and abhyanga may help to treat depression and anxiety.
Reducing inflammatory conditions:-
Inflammation is the root cause of many diseases like- arthritis, cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Unhealthy diet and eating habits, insufficient and irregular sleeping patterns, improper digestion ( lack of or low levels of digestive fire- Agni)- may lead to inflammation.
Ayurveda tells us to eat as per our doshas. Which maintains the balance between our doshas and improves our digestion. Consumption of certain foods as per time suggested under Ayurveda- increases our vitality, empowers the body with optimum energy, decreases mood swings and lethargy. You will feel more active and energized by adopting Ayurveda, which is a natural way for a healthy life.
Ayurveda helps in preventing cancer of certain types. For more reading- How to reduce cancer risk with diet? <<= click on.
Turmeric and black pepper each possess health benefits. Curcumin- the compound present in turmeric and piperine- the compound present in black pepper may help in reducing inflammation and can help in improvement in the digestive fire. Piperine increases the absorption of curcumin by 2000%.
Maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels:-
Diets suggested in Ayurveda helps in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and improves the quantity of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. And may play a vital role in the prevention of the formation of plaque in the arteries- Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the root cause of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Ayurveda herbs and essential oils may help in relieving the body from toxins through the skin and can improve the flow of blood. Abhyanga Massage with herbal oils is very useful.
Cleaning toxins from your body:-
The practices like panchakarma- elimination of toxins present in the body by enemas, oil massage, purgation, and other oral administrations helps in the elimination of toxins that interfere with the normal body functions and helps in maintaining a balance between the doshas.
A cleaned body with balanced Ayurveda doshas improves overall health and helps- in naturally- leading a healthy life. Ayurveda teaches us to use common home remedies like- ginger, cardamom, fennel, etc. to use in a specific way to relieve health problems like- indigestion and bloating.
Following are few benefits of Ayurveda:-
Why Ayurveda is important for health and wellness?
In Ayurveda, it is believed, That there is a delicate balance between mind, body, and spirit in maintaining health and wellness. The main purpose of Ayurveda is to promote good health along with prevention and treatment of illness through lifestyle practices.
In Ayurveda, the cause of the disease is believed to be, due to lack of proper cellular function, which is due to excess or deficiency of Vatta, Pitta, or Kapha the three doshas. The disease can also be caused by the presence of toxins in the body.
Scope of Ayurveda in modern health.
The scope of Ayurveda is very vast. Ayurveda is for all living beings, human or non-human. It is divided into three branches:-
- Nara Ayurveda – It deals with human life.
- Satva Ayurveda – It deals with animal life and its diseases.
- Vriksha Ayurveda- It deals with plant life, its growth, and diseases.
Ayurveda not only treats diseases but is a complete philosophy, that encourages global health and wellness. Ayurveda was suppressed during foreign invasions in India. But its medical practices have been enjoying resurgence both in the native land and throughout the world. Demand for Ayurveda is increasing globally. The rise in demand is due to various factors as:-
- The resurgence of lifestyle disorders and failure of conventional medicine system to offer treatment.
- Increasing adverse effects menace (adverse drug reactions) of modern medicines.
- Growing understanding of fundamental principles of Ayurveda.
- The growing demand for the traditional way of life.
- Growing health care cost.
More and more people are adopting Ayurveda due to its organic nature, safety profile, and ability to cure diseases. For more reading- Is Ayurveda- re-emerging a reliable healing system? <<= Click here.
Modern medicine has got its own advantages and has progressed a lot. It possesses the latest techniques and surgeries for relieving ailing humanity and saving many lives by early detection and treatment of diseases.
Ayurveda is an ancient contribution that is providing a safe and natural way to modern health. Being one of the oldest healing systems it is equally effective in modern times. It is not merely a system of medicine but a complete guide to good health, with the additional advantage of spiritual attainments. In modern times, Ayurveda is playing an important role in taking care of global health.
For treatment please consult your healthcare provider. Wishing you all good health.
For awareness purpose only.
Surinder Bhalla
Blogger & Marketing consultant
40+ Years of experience in the healthcare industry
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