The Golden Rules Of Ayurveda
January 14, 2023
Ayurveda- the alternative medicine system, has been gaining popularity across the world in the last few years. Even though Ayurveda medicines has always been a traditional yet popular across the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years, it seems like the West is finally catching up to what a blessing it is. Ayurveda originated in India more than 3000 years ago, and it is still prevalent in Indian society.
Unlike other medicine systems, where you are expected to gulp down medicines to feel better, Ayurveda medicines are created on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit, and you cannot have good health if you are not taking care of these three components.
The primary focus of Ayurveda is to promote good health rather than fight disease. It seeks to restore balance in the body by addressing the root cause of an illness rather than just treating its symptoms. To fight the root causes of several diseases, Ayurveda uses a combination of herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments, such as yoga and meditation, to bring the body back into balance. It also emphasizes preventative measures to maintain a state of good health instead of combating diseases after it makes you ill.
Principles Of Ayurveda
Even though Ayurveda is one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine (TSM), it is also one of the medicine systems that is yet to be explored entirely. According to Ayurveda, you cannot have sound health if you are not taking care of your mind and soul. The Ayurvedic system of medicine is also based on several principles that are fundamental to understanding the practice. If you are someone who is looking for a holistic approach to your lifestyle, and planning to introduce Ayurveda into it, here are some of the principles you should know about:
- The Concept of Tridosha
According to Ayurveda, the concept of tridosha explains the physiological and psychological functioning of the human body. The three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, govern all the body’s physiological processes, including digestion, metabolism, and bodily movements.Vata controls movement and circulation in the body. It governs bodily functions such as breathing, blinking, and the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Pitta controls metabolism and digestion. It governs the body’s ability to digest food, absorb nutrients, and regulate body temperature.Kapha nourishes the cells, moistens the joints, and maintains the immune system. Any imbalance in any of the doshas can be the root cause of illness.
- The principle of Agni
Agni refers to the body’s metabolic fire and is considered the source of health and vitality. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy agni for overall well-being. A strong Agni is considered essential for overall health, while a weak Agni is associated with poor digestion, nutrient deficiencies, and a weakened immune system.
- The principle of Ama
Ama refers to toxic build-up in the body. According to Ayurveda, Ama is the root cause of many illnesses, and it is essential to detoxify the body on a regular basis to maintain good health. Ama can form in the body when the digestive fire, Agni, is weak or imbalanced. If you have a poor diet or make questionable lifestyle choices, Ama can accumulate, causing illnesses.
- The principle of Ojas
Ojas is considered the essence of vitality and is closely connected to the body’s immune system. Therefore, Ayurveda recommends maintaining the balance of Ojas to boost immunity and prevent illness. It is also responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the body and its energy level.
- The principle of Dinacharya
Dinacharya refers to daily routine and is considered an essential aspect of Ayurveda. It includes practices such as waking up early, eating meals at regular times, and engaging in daily self-care practices. If you want to maintain optimal health and balance in your body and mind, following a dinacharya is vital.
- The principle of Ritucharya
Ritucharya refers to the seasonal routine; Ayurveda recommends specific changes in diet and lifestyle according to the seasons to maintain balance in the body. You can do this by eating seasonal fruits, adjusting your daily routine according to the seasons, and adjusting your attire to the changing seasons too.
- The principle of Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a form of deep cleansing and rejuvenation that involves five different therapies designed to detoxify the body. Panchakarma can balance your doshas, and it is considered to be the most effective Ayurvedic way to detoxify, rejuvenate and restore the balance of the body and mind.
- The principle of Ayurvedic pharmacology
Ayurvedic medicine uses natural compounds such as herbs, minerals, and animal products to treat various illnesses. These herbs are believed to contain multiple compounds that act together to restore balance to the body and mind.
These principles work together to create a holistic approach to health and wellness that promotes harmony in the body, mind, and spirit.
The Top Golden Rules Of Ayurveda
- Prakruti—The nature of the food: Ayurveda teaches you to identify unique qualities and characteristics of each food you consume. The more you can identify these qualities, such as being hot, cold, oily, sour, astringent or dry, the better you can select foods that suit your body’s needs. A person who has an excess of water and earth elements, like those suffering from obesity or diabetes, should avoid heavy, oily or gooey foods like dairy products, sugar, or wheat. Whereas for someone with an excess of fire element and suffering from conditions such as gastric acid reflux or hot flushes, it is advised to avoid spicy foods such as chilies, garlic, and pepper.
- Karana— Processing: Ayurveda believes that the way food is processed can alter its inherent properties. Different processing methods, such as dilution, heating, emulsification, storage, maturing, flavoring, or preservation, can change the quality of food.
- Samyoga—Combinations: It is no secret that everyone loves to mix different ingredients to make their food taste better. When two or more ingredients are combined, new properties may arise as a result of the interactions between the chemical constituents. It is crucial to ensure that all ingredients are compatible with each other for the best results.
- Rashi—Quantity: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of eating the appropriate amount of food for maintaining overall health. The quantity of food consumed should be based on the individual’s digestive capabilities and the properties of the food itself. A balanced diet should include a variety of foods from all six tastes, as well as include grains, lentils, vegetables, and dairy products.
- Desha–Habitat: The origin of food and its suitability for consumption plays a massive role in your health, according to Ayurveda. The quality of food can vary depending on factors such as soil and climate. As such, it is believed that locally-grown products are best suited for the people living in that region.
- Kala—Time or period: Maintaining optimal health requires following a seasonal dietary regimen according to Ayurveda. For example, in the rainy or winter season, when Vata (one of the three doshas) is easily agitated, it is recommended to choose foods and drinks that are sour, and salty to balance Vata. Whereas in the summer, when the fire element or Pitta increases, it’s ideal to consume foods and drinks that are sweet, cold, and liquid to counterbalance the heat.
- Upayoga Samstha–Dietetic rules: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of eating food while it is warm, as it can help to boost the body’s digestive fire. To ensure optimal digestion, it is recommended to eat in a relaxed, calm, and cheerful atmosphere. Avoid eating when feeling nervous, angry, anxious or upset. Additionally, it’s advised to avoid drinking large amounts of liquid after eating, as it can dampen the digestive fire.
- Upabhokta—Be mindful: To maintain good health and follow Ayurveda principles, it’s crucial to take into account your own constitutional type, the strength of your digestion, the season, the time of day, and whether your previous meal has been properly digested. By incorporating these principles into your daily routine, you can make a significant impact on your overall well-being and longevity. Remember, taking care of your health is one of the most important investments you can make.
Importance Of Self-care In Ayurveda
Self-care is a critical aspect of Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, maintaining balance and harmony within the body is essential for good health and well-being. Self-care practices such as yoga, meditation, and massage can help to balance the body’s doshas and energy channels and promote optimal functioning.
In addition, Ayurveda encourages the use of natural remedies, such as herbs and dietary changes, to prevent and treat illness. Overall, self-care in Ayurveda is seen as a means of not only treating physical ailments but also fostering a sense of spiritual and emotional balance.
If you want to handle your illness before they make a home in your body, lead an Ayurvedic lifestyle. Regular self-care practices are important to maintain optimal health and well-being and to prevent the onset of illness.
