What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian health care system practiced for the last 5000 Years. Ayur-veda originated from the Sanskrit terms “Ayur” (life) and “Veda” (Knowledge). According to Ayur-veda, health is the dynamic and balanced integration between nature, body, and spirit. Ayurveda eradicates the root cause of the illness or disease. The knowledge of Ayurveda was verbally passed over centuries through a lineage of sages in ancient India, later documented into ancient historical textbooks, also known as Veda.

Principles of Ayurveda

Ashtanga Hrudaya, Charaka Samhita, and Sushruta Samhita are the oldest known texts written on Ayur-veda. These texts thoroughly explain that the five elements found in our cosmic system (earth, water, air, space, and fire) are also present in our body and expand on the importance of keeping these elements balanced for a healthy and happy life. Ayurveda explains that cosmic elements can affect each person differently, which happens due to their prakruti.

Ayurveda has classified these constitutions into three different doshas:

Vata: Air and space are the main elements associated with this prakruti type. Mood, energy, and appetite of this type fluctuate dramatically due to the domination of air and space elements. This prakruti is more prone to insomnia, dry cough, osteoarthritis, and irregular digestion.

Pitta: Fire is the main element associated with this prakruti type, which makes them robust, intense, and irritable. They have powerful musculature and sensitive skin. This prakruti is more prone to Anxiety, Depression, Acid-Pepsin disorders, Gout, and Skin disorders. 

Kapha: Water and Earth are the main elements associated with this prakruti type, which makes them innately stable, compassionate, and loyal. This prakruti is more prone to Excessive sleep, Respiratory Disorder, Moderately constipated, and Allergic Skin Disorders.

Also Read: 8 Benefits of Drinking water in Copper Vessels

How Ayurveda works?

Ayurveda is a precise approach towards healthy well-being, which can aid people of all ages who are ready to take their first step on the path of wellness. The Ayurvedic practician will prepare a specifically designed treatment plan for you. He will examine and consider your unique physical and emotional form, primary life force, and the balance between all these three elements. Ayur-veda identifies the symptoms of an illness and focuses on removing it from the roots.

It believes that illness begins with the disharmony between body, mind, and soul. Many problems arise from poor metabolism. According to Ayurvedic doctors, there is no nutritional benefit of consuming organic food until we are unable to metabolize these foods properly. Ayur-veda has an efficient approach to healing by detoxifying and rejuvenating the body, mind, and soul. The principles of Ayurveda have remained constant for centuries, based on the ages of scientific observation of the natural world.

Role of Ayurveda in Yoga and Spirituality

Ayur-veda provides knowledge to lead a happy and healthy life, it helps in the spiritual process and wellbeing of the mind, body, and soul. It is bound with dharma(duty) and soul complexly.

Ayurveda also acknowledges all the main aims of human life:

• Dharma attainment(duty of religious and ethical virtues)

• Moksha (Liberation)

• Artha (Materialistic benefits and goals)

• Kama (Desire)

The principles and process of Ayur-veda is a powerful aid in accurate yoga practices

Also Read: Yoga, Zen of Healthy Living

Is Ayurveda safe?

Ayurvedic medicine has helped millions of people to get a healthy lifestyle. Though, just like any other medical system, ayurvedic therapies have the potential of adverse effects and side effects. This generally happens due to improper therapies, are administered improperly and wrong prescriptions by unqualified practitioners.

One should take responsibility while seeking ayurvedic therapies. It is important to check the credentials, experience, and training of all practitioners. The patient should also communicate and disclose the therapies they are using, and the effects they are experiencing, to avoid dangerous herbal and other therapeutic interactions.

Do Follow: Vedic Gyaan on Instagram