Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the oldest continuing health science
in the world. The central principle of Ayurvedic science is that we are
all unique with an individual constitution with our own physical and
psychological nature. Hence the Ayurvedic approach treats all aspects of a
person, as anything that affects the mind and which eventually affects the body. The Sanskrit word Ayurveda, means
the science or wisdom of life.
It is one of the few sciences that treats the
individual through a thorough assessment of a person’s unique makeup and
circumstances. The individual is examined within the broader context of their
life and all factors influencing their wellbeing are taken into consideration.
The success of the Ayurvedic tradition comes through the promotion of balanced
living and is founded on the principle that nothing functions in isolation.
While it is an ancient science from an ancient
culture, in today’s throwaway and quick fix culture, the perennial wisdom of
seeing the individual as a whole and as part of his or environment, is
fundamental to long term, sustainable wellbeing and happiness.
Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old philosophy based on a
deep understanding about the human body as a whole, encompassing the mind,
spirit, and emotions. It embraces medical science, philosophy, psychology as
well as astrology and astronomy. Yoga and meditation, now widely embraced by
westerners, are both key parts of Ayurveda. However, one does not need to
subscribe to the spiritual beliefs on which it is based in order to benefit
from it.
Ayurveda and the Modern World
In today’s fast paced high-pressure modern world,
stress and burnout are becoming an epidemic. Nearly 80% of people experience
physical symptoms caused by stress. Sleep deprivation, over exposure to media,
financial pressures, poor nutrition, work pressures and relationship problems
are all causing serious health issues. And too often people are turning to
quick fixes, such as medication, instead of dealing with the underlying
problems, so they unfortunately end up in a spiral of bad health and
compromised wellbeing.
The three main goals of Ayurveda are to preserve
the health of a healthy person, to prevent disease and to promote longevity
through improved quality of life in mind, body and spirit. Health is defined as
much more than just the absence of disease. One of the great scholars of
Ayurveda defined health in this way:
“Health is the state of equilibrium of doshas
(biological humor), agnis (transformative physiological system functions),
dhatus (tissues and organs), and malas (metabolic byproducts), along with
sensorial, mental and spiritual well being.” – Sushruta
It is a sustainable system of healing that is
available to all and works in harmony with the natural world. Ayurvedic healing
tools are easily available herbs, oils and food. The central message of
Ayurveda is: “Let food be your medicine and kitchen be your first pharmacy.”
Creating the Habits of Balanced Living
Ayurveda focuses on the art of balanced living,
as nothing functions in isolation and imbalance often result in disorder and
illness. Establishing a daily routine that create habits of self-care is seen
as a sacred duty.
To create these habits, it helps to understand
the fundamental elements of the complex system that is Ayurveda. The classical elements
of Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth form the building blocks of all existence.
The Ayurvedic belief is that the human body is made of the same elements as all
of nature, and most peoples’ bodies express a predominance of one element. This
results in a particular physical shape, appetite and personality that
constitute one’s dosha. The Doshas are different combinations of the five
elements and their properties, and when in balance, maintains well-being.
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