The Literal Meaning of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a holistic healing science, which comprises of two words,
Ayu and Veda. Ayu means life and Veda means knowledge or science. So
the literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is the science of life.
Ayurveda is a science dealing not only with treatment of some diseases
but is a complete way of life.
What are the basic principles of Ayurveda ?
Since Ayurveda recognizes a common origin for the universe and for
humanity, Ayurveda teaches that nature consists of three primary
qualities called
gunas. These three
gunas --
Sattva,
Rajas and
Tamas -- are inner qualities
that exist behind all material forms in nature. Another great theory
is of the five gross elements (
Panchamahabhutas) -- space,
air, fire, water, and earth -- and that the entire universe is
governed and composed of these five elements. The entire physiology is
made up of seven tissues (
Dhatus) - plasma, blood, muscle,
adipose tissue (fat), bone, bone marrow, and reproductive tissue. From
the sap of all tissues,
Ojas, the ultimate refined product of
digestion and metabolism, which connects one's physiology with
consciousness and is responsible for greater immunity, is formed.
Role of Ayurveda
Ayurveda teaches us to understand our body; our
particular nature; and our individual mixture of elements at a deep
physical, mental and emotional level. With that knowledge we are able
to identify activities, conditions, herbs and foods that either keep
us healthy and in balance, or make us ill and throw us out of balance.
Ayurveda ,a Holistic Path
It looks at the whole of one's life. Health and disease are byproducts
of all aspects of one's life: nutrition, career, mental frame, family
and social activities and spiritual life. If one area is weakened, all
areas begin to suffer. If a person is unhappy at work, it will affect
all other areas of life. The five senses are the gateways that bring
in these influences; what one sees, hears, smells, touches, tastes
affects all areas of health and life. The mind also plays a major role
in how we act and react to the information and experiences gathered
from the senses. When the mind is calm and clear, one handles a
situation much better. The same situation, the same people or stresses
exist at all times. How one deals with these situations will differ
depending upon one's mental frame of mind.
Western medicine has made significant progress in treating many
diseases; however it has trouble curing major diseases of an aging
population such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and
osteoporosis. Additionally, it emphasizes the treatment of symptoms
and diseases through drug therapy.Therefore Ayurveda recommends
persons take time to nurture all areas of life to maintain the whole
(or holistic) balance. Life is like a web, if you shake one area of
the web, the entire web shakes. Like that, what one does in one area
of one's life affects all areas.
Thus In this way healing becomes fun- not a punishment.
Laws of Nature and Spirituality
In essence, Ayurveda explains the laws of nature that cause health or
disease. The first cause of illness is said to be the loss of faith in
the Divine or experiencing a spiritual emptiness. From here illness
develops due to internal conditions (e.g., foods and liquids) or
external conditions (e.g., seasons, lifestyle). The main factors that
cause poor health (also described as imbalance) are 1) Poor digestion
and 2) Weak immune systems.
When food is not properly digested it sits in the body. Nutrients are
not absorbed and the food decays and forms toxins. These toxins cause
most diseases in the body. Therefore, it is important to have good
digestion.
Poor nutrition, overwork, drugs and other excesses can deplete the
immune system. The finest essence of nutrition develops a life sap
that protects the immune system, much like the sap of a tree heals the
bruises in its bark. In addition to promoting physical health, it is
the life sap that becomes transformed through meditation to produce
mental peace and spiritual development. With all the immune disorders
that are prevalent these days, it is even more important that persons
develop their immune sap.
What Makes Ayurveda So Unique ?
This spiritual science offers numerous
unique benefits:
It looks at people as individuals, not as
a generic group.
It heals from the root-cause of an
illness, not merely treating the symptoms.
Only natural therapies are offered.
No side effects develop from the
therapies.
Therapies are inexpensive and effective.
Ayurveda and Health
Ayurveda forms an integral part of the daily regimen of hundreds of
millions of people worldwide. Its principles are utilized not only to
treat persons who are ill but also to prepare a balanced meal and to
construct a harmonious environment to live in. Ayurveda brings to life
the concepts of preventive health care and health promotion. The goal
of Ayurveda is to help an individual discover the knowledge of living
and health. Health is the state of harmonious chemical balance in a
living organism. Our health depends on the chemical environments
inside and outside our bodies. Food plays an important role in
creating the internal chemical environment.
What is the definition of health according to Ayurveda ?
Ayurveda has Holistic concept of Health. Disease free status of the
body does not mean health. Swastha (Health) means to be 'established
in the self'.
The Ayurvedic view of healthy person is :
Samadosha, samagnischa,
Samadhatumalkriyah,
Prasannatmendriyamanah,
Swastha iti abhidhiyate.
(Sushrut Samhita, Sutrasthan, Chapter 15, Shloka 10)
"He whose doshas are in balance, appetite is good, all tissues of the
body and all natural urges are functioning properly, and whose mind,
body and spirit (self) are cheerful or full of bliss, he is a healthy
person.
Approach
to Life-style according to Ayurveda
Health is greatly influenced by Life-Style (Swastha-vritta). According
to Ayurveda, Life-style (the rules and guidelines) is divided into
three parts:
Dincharya (Diet and regimen for the daytime)
Ratricharya (Diet and regimen for the night)
Ritucharya (Seasonal Dietary and regimen) - Sandhikal (diet
instructions for the joint period of two seasons).
One more thing that is very helpful for the knowledge of proper
life-style 'Samsarjan kram' means specific diet program after illness
or after Panchkarma Treatments. For perfect health, long, diseases
free body status - one must follow these instructions.
How does Ayurveda work ?
Ayurveda works by balancing the three Doshas - Vata,Pitta and Kapha
which govern the internal health of the body.
Vata functions as a means to deconstruct body tissues
and substances in order for the body to better use them. Evening
hours, summer, and old age are linked to Vata Dosha. This Dosha also
governs the nervous system. Dark skin, tall stature, anxiousness, and
gregariousness characterize a Vata individual. Things that can be
detrimental to Vata balance are excessive exercise, insomnia, over
abundance of sexual activity.
Metabolism,
digestive issues, and energy conversions of all types are controlled
by Pitta. Midday, autumn, and adulthood are also
associated with this Dosha. The profile of a person with strong Pitta
characteristics will be fair skinned, and of medium build. They are
also likely to be highly emotional. Pitta can be adversely
influenced by hot foods, tea, coffee, alcohol, over-exposure to the
sun, and unexpressed emotions.
The
Kapha Dosha governs
the body’s ability to repair and renew itself. It controls the fluid
flow within the body. It is associated with morning hours, winter,
and youth. A Kapha individual is typically heavy in build with a
medium skin tone. Certain foods, particularly sweets and dairy
products, are disruptive to the functions associated with Kapha.
Hat conditions respond well to Ayurvedic treatment ?
Such common ailments as the cold, acne, and obesity can be treated
with Ayurvedic methods. Chronic diseases such as asthma, arthritis,
and high blood pressure, which have been difficult to treat by other
means, have responded well to this health care system. Ayurveda also
addresses digestive and excretory disorders like ulcers, cirrhosis of
the liver, jaundice and hepatitis. Emotional and mental challenges
such as substance abuse, anxiety, and smoking can benefit from
Ayurvedic treatment.
How are Ayurvedic treatments performed ?
Ayurveda uses a variety of techniques to bring about a cure.
Ayurvedic practitioners often stress good nutrition, exercise, Yoga
(meditation), and stress management. Pancha Karma, a purification
process is used for cleansing the toxins or
amas from the
body. Herbal formulations are prescribed for some ailments while
other conditions are treated with therapeutic massages.
Who can be helped with Ayurveda ?
Because of its deep and comprehensive insights, Ayurveda can help
babies, children and teenagers, adults, seniors, and during pregnancy.
Ayurveda offers therapies for all health concerns, from colds to
cancer, emotional issues to epilepsy. Therapies cover hereditary,
congenital, chronic or mild concerns.
Tridosha Theory
The basic view of Ayurveda is that all of life (people, food, animals,
nature, the universe, and diseases) are combinations of three
energy-elements: air (called Vayu or Vata), fire (called Pitta), and
water (called Kapha). When these elements are balanced, one is
healthy. Illness is defined as an imbalance of these elements; all
disorders are excesses of one or more element.
People and the Elements
A person's constitution (dosha) is predominantly one or more of these
elements. Each element relates to certain body types, foods and health
concerns. By nature, whatever a person's constitution is, they have a
tendency for it to become excessed. For example:
Vayu dosha constitution person (air) is
thin and bony. Physical symptoms of excess air include dry skin,
cracking bones, gas and constipation. Mental symptoms of excess air
include fear, worry, anxiety and nervousness. When a Vayu dosha
constitution (air) person is balanced they are creative, adaptable and
have no physical health concerns. Ayurveda notes that certain foods
increase air and other foods reduce air. In general, excess air is
reduced by eating cooked or steamed foods, and eating every three or
four hours. Foods like carrots, rice and mung beans reduce excess air.
Broccoli, baked beans and barley increase air (e.g., they cause gas).
Excessive lifestyles also increase the air element.
Pitta dosha constitution people (Fire)
tend towards excess heat. When healthy they are strong, make good
leaders and are warm and goal oriented. When the Pitta dosha is
imbalanced, mentally they become hot tempered, impatient, and
irritable. Physically they develop heat-related disorders such as
acne, rashes, diarrhea, ulcers, toxic blood, liver, kidney, gall
bladder, heart and spleen disorders.
Kapha dosha constitutions (water) tend
towards excess water. When healthy they are strong, muscular, calm and
loyal. When water becomes excess, they develop lethargy, and a
hoarding or greedy nature. Physically they develop congestion,
overweight, edema, heart and kidney problems, etc. Health means
balance. Each constitution has a natural tendency to become
imbalanced. By eating foods and living a lifestyle that reduces the
the excesses, one remains balanced. Balancing produces healing,
prevention, and reverses the aging process. Many people have two or
even all three elements in their constitution. In these cases, both
elements tend toward excess. Thus foods and lifestyles that reduce
both elements need to be followed.
Ayurveda, Balance is the Key
Balance is a very key concept in Ayurveda. Proper digestion,
assimilation, and elimination are impaired when basic forces inside us
are driven out of balance by stress, repressed emotions, inappropriate
diet or lifestyle, insufficient rest, environmental toxins, climate or
seasonal changes. This causes accumulation of a toxic substance, ama,
which leads to disease. The key to prevention or treatment of disease
is to restore balance. Ayurveda provides a clear, concise, cohesive
regimen to help people restore balance and health in their mind and
body in a natural way.
Side Effects
It is important to remember that unlike allopathic (modern) medicines,
Ayurvedic preparations are safe to use for all age groups, free from
side effects, non-allergenic and non-habit forming.