THE ORIGIN OF AYURVEDA
The first
significant writings about Ayurveda ( Chakra Samhita ) appeared around the
first millennium B.C. The second scholarly writing ( Sushruta Samhita )
originated one century later and deals with ayurvedic surgery. The third most
important Ayurvedic document ( Asthanga Hridya ) is from the 7th
century A.D and it is a well – arranged compilation of two previous writings.
Between the 5th century B.C. and 5th century A.D. the Ayurvedic
principles spread to all known corners of the world – China, Tibet, Persia,
Arabia, Egypt, Greece and Rome – where they blended with local traditions and
cultural habits. Therefore Ayurveda is regarded as ‘the mother of all medical
systems.’ The origin of it’s teachings dates back to the ancient Indian
scriptures (Vedas). Those scriptures came into existence due to the inner
realization of illumined Sages (Rishis).
WHAT IS
AYURVEDA?
Ayurveda, or Ayurvedic
medicine, is a healthy-lifestyle system that people in India have used for more
than 5,000 years. Ayurveda emphasizes good health and prevention and treatment
of illness through lifestyle practices (such as message, meditation, yoga and
dietary changes) and the use of herbal remedies. Ayurvedic medicine is
holistic, which means viewing the body and mind as a whole. Ayurveda not only
treats a person’s physical complaints, but it also changes lifestyle practices
through health maintain or improve health. Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal
purification processes, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage
therapy, yoga, and meditation. In India, Ayurveda is considered a form of
medical care, equal to conventional Western medicine, traditional Chinese
medicine, naturopathic medicine, and homeopathic medicine.
Practitioners of
Ayurveda in Indian undergo state-recognized, institutionalized training.
Currently, Ayurvedic practitioners are not licensed in the United States, and
there is no national standard for Ayurvedic training or certification. However,
Ayurvedic schools have gained approval as educational institutions in some
states. Ayurveda is widely practiced on the Indian subcontinent-more than 90
percent of Indians use some form of Ayurvedic medicine, according to the University
of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality & Healing- and the tradition has
gained popularity in the Western world, through it’s still considered an
alternative medical treatment. Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as
a complementary therapy in combination with standard, conventional medical
care.
Five Elements
Those who
practice Ayurveda believe every person is made of five basic elements found in
the universe:
1) Space
2) Air
3) Fire
4) Water
5) Earth
These combine
in the human body to form three life forces or energies, called doshas. They
control how your body works. They are Vata dosha (space and air); Pitta dosha
(fire and water); and Kapha dosha (water and earth). Everyone inherits a unique
mix of the three doshas. But one is usually stronger than the others. Each one
controls a different body function. It’s believed that your chances of getting
sick, and the health issues you develop are linked to the balance of your
doshas. According to Ayurveda, the five elements of nature (space, air, fire,
water, earth) combine in the body as three components (doshas) known as Vatta,
Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas relate closely to the basic elements of nature
and to specific functions of the body. A balance of three doshas is thought to required for optimal health.
VATA:-
o
Air and space represents Vatta.
o
It controls muscle and joint movement.
o
It also controls heartbeat.
o
Creative, quick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also quick
to forget
o
Slender, tall and a fast walker, tendency toward cold hands and feet
and discomfort in cold climates.
o
Excitable, lively, fun personality.
o
Irregular daily routine, experiences high energy in short bursts
with a tendency to tire easily and to overexert.
o
Full of joy and enthusiasm when I balance, responds to stress with
fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance. Tendency to act
on impulse often have racing, disjointed thoughts.
o
Generally have dry skin and dry hair and don’t perspire much.
PITTA:-
o
Fire and water represents Pitta.
o
It controls bodily functions such as digestion, metabolism,
intelligence, and skin color.
o
Medium physique, strong and well-built.
o
Sharp mind, good concentration, orderly, focused, assertive,
self-confident, and enterpreneurial at their best. Enjoys challenges.
o
Aggressive, competitive, demanding, and pushy when out of balance.
o
Strong digestion, strong appetite, get irritated if they have to
miss or wait for a meal.
o
Skin fair or reddish, often with freckles, sunburns easily.
Uncomfortable in sun or hot weather ,heat makes them very tired, perspire
a lot.
o
Good public speakers, generally good management and leadership
ability, but can become authoritarian.Subject to temper tantrums,
impatience, and anger.
o
Earth and water represent Kapha.
o
The physical structure of the body and the immune system are
governed by Kapha.
o Easygoing, relaxed, slow-paced. Affectionate and loving,
forgiving, compassionate, non judgmental nature. Faithful, stable and reliable.
o
Physically strong with a sturdy, heavier build.
o
Have the most energy of all constitutions, but it is steady and enduring.
o Slow speech, reflecting a deliberate thought process. Slower to
learn, but outstanding long-term memory.
o
Soft hair and skin, tendency to have large “soft” eyes and a low,
soft voice.
o
Tend toward being overweight, may also suffer from sluggish
digestion.
o Prone to depression, yet gentle and self-sufficient.
o
Excellent health, good immune system.
o
Very calm, strive to
maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings. Not easily upset and can
be a point of stability for others.
o
Tend to be possessive and hold on to things.
o
Doesn’t like cold, damp weather.
o Physical problems includes
colds ad congestion, sinus headaches, respiratory problems including asthma,
allergies, and atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).
For
a slight brief intro about the three body types, according Ayurveda, log on to
this link-
USES OF
AYURVEDA
Some people use Ayurvedic practices to maintain health, reduce stress, and improve flexibility, strength, and stamina. Practices like yoga and meditation can be helpful for people with diseases such as asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
Some people use Ayurvedic practices to maintain health, reduce stress, and improve flexibility, strength, and stamina. Practices like yoga and meditation can be helpful for people with diseases such as asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
Ayurveda
stresses proper diet for maintaining good health and treating disease. Herbal
medicines are prescribed based on the person’s dosha type.
Principles of
Ayurveda
Health Care is
a highly individualized practice under Ayurvedic principles, which state that
everyone has a specific constitution, or prakruti, that determines his or her
physical, physiologic and mental character and disease vulnerability, according
to Dr. Bala Manyam, a neurologist and professor emeritus at Southern Illinois
University School of Medicine. Prakruti is determined by three “bodily
energies” called doshas.
AYURVEDIC APPROACH
Ayurveda looks
upon the human being as an indivisible and mutually interconnected complex of
body, vital energy, mind and soul. It does not focus on symptoms themselves,
but mostly, on the causes of physchosomatic imbalance, which precedes every
disease. A symptom is regarded only as a signal or warning that there is
something wrong with the body and that a deeper level of correction is needed.
Thus, in accordance with of correction is needed. Thus, in accordance with
healthy lifestyle principles, Ayurveda tries to restore the natural state of
harmony in the human body, which manifests as mental and physical health. It
strives to gain insight into the very core of a problem and discover the
primary cause of the ailment, whether it originates in improper diet,
lifestyle, hereditary taint, negative thinking or emotional and energetic
imbalance.
THE CAUSE OF DISEASE
Health is an
optimal state of harmonious body functioning. It represents the balance between
three biological principles (Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha) according to the original
condition (vikrti), bodily tissues and their functions, sensory organs, the
mind and physchic consciousness. Each man is endowed with a sufficient amount
of common sense in order to distinguish between the convenient and inconvenient
or healthy and harmful. The human body gives us all the answers needed in the
form of signals, which one either listens to or not. Each emotion is a
biochemical response to particular problem that lies deeper under the surface.
The behavior and manners of a regular man are determined by his desires and
wishes, which reside in the mind. This mind usually insists on its fulfillment,
despite damage to the physical body, and as such often abuses the body to
achieve its desires. Therefore most ailments first come from the mind before
they manifest on the physical plane. They originate in the restless, imbalanced
and undisciplined mind, which is full of wrong ideas. Thus desire is the very
essence of ignorance, which contains suffering, disease and pain. Only after
this stage the primal impulse begins to manifest on the physical level.
EIGHT COMPONENTS
The earliest
classical Sanskrit works on Ayurveda describe medicine as being divided into
eight components. This characterization of the physician’s art, “the medicine
that has eight components”, is first found in the Sanskrit epic the
Mahabharata, in 4th century BCE. The components are:
o
Kayachikitsa: general medicine, medicine of the body.
o
Kaumara-bhrtya(Pediatrics): Discussions about prenatal and postnatal care of
baby and mother, methods of conceptipon; choosing the child’s gender,
intelligence, and constitution; and childhood diseases and midwifery.
o
Salyatantra: surgical techniques and the extraction of foreign objects.
o
Shalakyatantra: treatment of ailments affecting ears, eyes, nose, mouth, etc.
o
Bhutavidya: pacification of possessing spirits, and the people whose minds
are affected by such possession.
o
Agadatantra/ Vishagara-Vairodhtantra (Toxicology): It
includes subjects about epidemics, toxins, in animals, vegetables and minerals.
It as well contains keys for recognizing those anomalies and their antidotes.
o
Rasayantantra: rejuvenation and tonics for increasing lifespan, intellect, and
strength.
o
Vajikaranatantra: aphrodisiacs and treatments for increasing the volume and
viability of semen and sexual pleasure. It also deals with infernity problems
(for those hoping to conceive) and spiritual development (transmutation of
sexual energy into spiritual energy).
BENEFITS OF
AYURVEDA
Offers a nurturing approach to being healthy
Ayurveda is all about understanding that healthy is your natural state.
If you and your environment are in balance, that’s considered optimum health, and
the opposite goes for being unbalanced. For example, if you feel anxious or
suffering from health issues like constipation or generally lethargic-ness, it
is simply a matter of being out of balance. Imbalances are not an overnight
occurrence, so you do have time to prevent or slow down the process of imbalance.
When you know what’s causing you to feel out of whack, you can simply refer to
the suggested foods to eat or avoid according to your dosha to start the
process of coming back to your proper state of balance.
You get a greater understanding of your place in life
A principle of Ayurveda is that we are part of nature. Nature has five
elements which include:
Space
Air
Water
Fire
Earth
These elements, their behavior, and the interaction they have in your
life is a big deal in the practice of Ayurveda. For example, air will show up
in your body and mind as high energy and forgetfulness. Fire will manifest in
your body and mind as inflammation, digestion, and anger. Earth relates to your
bones, your stubbornness towards something and loyalty towards others. Once you
recognize what elements show up most prominently for you, you can assess what
dosha you are and can then work towards.
We learn to clear up energy
In this day and age, we often need to recalibrate our mental and
physical settings. As ever-changing beings, it’s important to reflect and clear
out what isn’t working for you and your life. This makes room for new things.
Cleansing the system with a Ayurvedic-based diet, and cleansing the mind with
things like meditation and yoga on a regular basis will allow you to
recalibrate with greater ease, and greater access inner peace.
It provides a full circle of
philosophy
Ayurveda reminds you that you’re much deeper than your skin. There is an
essence to you, and an energy that can light up the world. Ayurveda will
continue to remind that you are more than just muscle and bones, but you are
also a spirit which embodies the elements.
While the health benefits will positively impact your physical self, it
also brings together your mind, body, and soul and keeps balance within it all.
Better health at a cellular
level
Research shows that Ayurveda can in fact help on a cellular level. It
has been indicated that Ayurveda has the potential to actually regenerate
cells, again showing that we have the power to begin healing ourselves of
certain ailments simply by the way we treat our bodies. While studies are still
being conducted, the scientific community is hopeful!
Toxins in the body are reduced
The founder of the Maharishi Ayurvedic practice states that there are
three different kind of toxins. The most common is ama, which the waste-product
that builds up in the digestive tract that stems from eating too much of the
wrong food. If not cleared up, it will build up over time and will begin to
circulate through your body, causing major feelings of imbalance. Various
practices within Ayurveda, like eating your largest meal at lunchtime, when the
sun is at it’s highest will prevent these toxins from further developing.
Stronger digestion
As you began to eat for your dosha, your digestive system will
strengthen. Certain foods will activate your digestive system during the right
times of the day, causing a decrease of toxic build up in your digestive tract.
This prevents you from feeling lethargic, causing you to have higher levels on
energy! Having optimal digestion also helps you to keep a healthy weight and
feel less agitated.
A straight-forward regime for your diet
The Ayurveda diet is very clear about what you should eat based on your
dosha. The guidelines on what to ear and when are simple to follow. For those
that like structure, this no-nonsense guide is easy to follow and leaves little
room to deviate. It may be an adjustment at first, but think of it as eating
the foods your were always meant to eat. If you are looking to bring lasting
change into your diet. Ayurveda might be
just the thing! With strong guidelines that have been proven tried and true for
centuries, consider it an all encompassing wellness plan designed to bring true
transformation to every aspect of your life.
IS AYURVEDA SAFE?
An Ayurvedic practitioner will create a treatment plan specifically
designed for you. He’ll take into account your unique physical and emotional
makeup, your primary life force, and the balance between all three of these
elements. The goal of treatment is to cleanse your body of undigested food,
which can stay in your body and lead to illness. The cleansing process- called
“panchakarma”- is designed to reduce your symptoms and restore harmony and
balance. To achieve this, an Ayurvedic practitioner might rely on blood
purification, massage, medical oils, herbs, and enemas or laxatives.
CONCLUSION
Those who follow Ayurveda recognizes that the mind and body are
completely connected and that nothing has more power over body that the mind
itself. Under the philosophy, many believe that we can free ourselves from
illness. We expand our own awareness. When we balance our awareness and
incorporate that balance into the body that we have the potential to heal
ourselves. For instance, during meditation, we enter into an expanded state of
awareness during which we get in touch with our inner knowledge. The process
refreshes us and restore balance within our bodies and mind. Because the mind
and body are a part of the same unit, the body is balanced along with the mind
during the practice such as meditation. You will begin to see and feel that
healing begins within, starting with the food you put in your body.
I highly recommend you to
give this a book a shot:-
THANK YOU FOR READING!
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