Ayurveda is considered as- one of the oldest systems of healing- known to mankind. It has been in practice for more than 5000 years. In Sanskrit, the meaning of Ayurveda is – Knowledge of Life. The principles of many natural healing systems have their roots in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda main emphasis is laid on prevention. It encourages the maintenance of health by paying close attention to – balancing life energies through right thinking, diet, lifestyle, and use of herbs.

What is health as per Ayurveda?

As defined by Ayurveda – Health, is the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.

Ayurveda emphasizes on maintenance of health by leading a disciplined lifestyle and restoring health- if disease occurs. Ayurveda not only deals with the health of the gross body, which can be seen by the human eye. But it also deals with the subtle body which can not be seen by the human eye.

Ayurveda- The knowledge of life.

Ayurveda is Ayu+Life. The meaning of Ayu is- life and Veda mean- knowledge. Ayurveda provides deep knowledge of life. Which enables us to understand how to maintain the right balance between body, mind, and consciousness as per individual body constitution. It suggests changes required in lifestyle to bring about and maintain the right balance to lead a healthy life. As per Ayurveda- body, mind. and consciousness work in harmony to maintain the balance of energies- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Ayurveda philosophy:-

According to Ayurveda philosophy- The entire cosmos is the interplay of energies of five basic elements. They are- air, water, earth, space, and fire. These elements combine in different proportions and arrangements to form three energies or doshas. Which are called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. As everyone has a unique fingerprint pattern. Every individual has a unique energy pattern. Energy pattern is a combination of physical, emotional, and mental characteristics. This energy pattern remains the same throughout life.

The five elements unite to form the physical body that can be seen with our eyes. Ayurveda also recognizes subtle body, that can not be seen. And that is sooksham sharir. Which is composed of sense, psyche, and soul (Atma, Maan, and Senses).

In the physical body, Vata is considered as the energy of movement, Pitta is for digestion and metabolism, and Kapha is the energy that forms the structure of the body.

Psychosomatic and Holistic approach.

In Ayurveda, it is believed that life is a continuous and constant union of body, senses, mind, and soul. With a psychosomatic and holistic approach, Ayurveda believes that physical and mental health are interdependent and for a healthy life both should be taken care of. For maintaining physical health Ayurveda illustrates- Dinacharya (daily routine) and Ritucharya ( seasonal routine) as per seasons and surroundings. For mental health, it gives guidelines of sadvrutta (ethical conduct). By following the teachings of Ayurveda, we can lead a healthy life by keeping our physical and mental capabilities at an optimal level. For more reading- Ayurveda leads to a healthy life. <<= Click here.

Why Ayurveda is called the knowledge of life?

Ayurveda principles emphasize leading a healthy life by preventing and maintaining good health. Ayurveda knowledge enables us to pay close attention to balance our life- by right thinking, diet (as per season and surroundings), lifestyle, and use of herbs. It facilitates us to understand and to create a balance of body, mind, and consciousness- as per the individual body constitution. It tells us, how to adopt lifestyle changes to bring and maintain a balance between our energies.

There are many factors both internal and external that act to disturb the balance and are seen as the change from a balanced state to an imbalanced state. Few examples of these emotional and physical factors are- diet, emotional state, food choices, seasons and weather, physical trauma, work, infection, and family relationships.

Once these factors are understood, appropriate measures as suggested by Ayurveda can be adopted to minimize or nullify their effects to regain the balance. Balance of energies is the natural order of energy level or health and imbalance is a disorder or ill health. There is constant interaction between order and disorder. As per Ayurveda-when, the cause of disorder comes in to notice- order can be re-established by adopting appropriate measures to lead a healthy life.

Balance <————————————>Natural Order.

Order <————————————–>Health.

Imbalance <———————————>Disorder.

Disorder < ——————————–>Ill health.

What is the science of Ayurveda and how it works?

The science of Ayurveda provides complete knowledge of life, which enables us to understand- how to maintain the right balance between body, mind, and consciousness, taking into consideration the constitution of the body and energies present. It suggests changes required in lifestyle to bring about and maintain the right and original balance of the energies.

Ayurveda identifies three basic energies or doshas that are present in unique combinations in everyone and everything. These energies ( Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) can be related to the basic biology of the body.

To enable the body to function- energy is required for the movement of nutrients and fluids to reach up to cellular level. Vata is the energy of movement, Pitta is the energy for digestion and metabolism, Kapha is the energy for lubrication and maintenance of the structure.

Everyone has the qualities of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. But in everyone- one of the energies is prominent, the second is less prominent and the third is the least prominent. The cause of the disorder (disease) is understood by lack of cellular function due to excess or deficiency of energies- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The disease can also be due to toxins present in the body. Once the cause is found, it is nullified or minimized by making suitable changes in eating habits, lifestyle, sleeping and waking habits, Yoga, meditation, massage, and use of herbs.

Ayurveda principles provide us the thorough knowledge to lead a healthy life by covering all the aspects by adopting a holistic approach for physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. For more reading- Ayurveda- Natural way to a healthy life. <<= Click here.

Wishing all to be in a healthy state.

(For awareness purpose only).