Ayurveda
This ancient healing practice treats the body through the use of yoga, herbs, massage and diet.
Origin of the healing form
ating back more than 5000 years in India, Ayurveda is found in the sacred writings of the Vedas, holiest of the Hindu scriptures. Ayurveda literally translated means, "science of life" and is the time-tested wisdom of the sages or holy ones passed down from generation to generation. Ayurveda teaches one to tune into the subtle vibrations of life (nature) to derive answers to medical problems. It is a complete system of healing and prevention that is a way of life for many who practice this ancient healing form.
Ayurveda is a bit complex, but when broken down into its components, it is a complete system of health and well being. Ayurveda is based on five elements: Earth, Fire, Air, Water, and Ether. In the human body, these elements are broken down into three principles known as the Tridosha. The principles, also known as Humors, which comprise the Tridosha are the vata dosha (air and ether), the kapha dosha (water and earth), and pitta dosha (fire and water). In most people, one of the three humors is dominant, but it is possible for someone to have an equal balance of all three.
As an example of how this works and how we each fall into one of these genetic patterns, let's look at how individual characteristics fall into one of the dosha types.
Body type of a vata dosha is thin and very tall or very short; that of a pitta dosha is medium height and slender; the kapha dosha is well developed and perhaps overweight.
Vata dosha types tend to be light sleepers, make and spend money quickly and are very bright, creative and get bored easily. The Pitta dosha is a moderate sleeper, likes luxury, is well off and tends to shy away from hard work but likes to take charge. The Kapha dosha is a sound sleeper, holds on to money, is patient and easy going and a good follower.
In Ayurveda, health is order and disease is disorder, so it is important to keep the doshas in harmony so that you can avoid disease. This can be done by maintaining a simple and moderate lifestyle of healthy eating (mostly vegetarian), yoga, meditative recitation of the mantra. If the body should become ill, herbal treatments, fasting and other natural therapies are used to overcome disorder in the body.
The Ayurvedic Lifestyle
To best understand how the practitioner of Ayurvedic approaches each day, the following is a routine from getting up in the morning until bedtime:
- Awaken before the sun rises
- Brush the teeth and cleanse the mouth
- Examine the tongue for signs of illness as described in many Chinese and Indian medical books. The tongue is then scraped to remove any impurities and stimulate other parts of the body associated with the tongue (similar to accupressure).
- Massage the body with warm sesame or coconut oil before taking a warm bath or shower.
- Exercise, yoga, breathing and meditation
- Breakfast must be eaten before 8 a.m., so the above tasks must be accomplished prior to 8 a.m.
- Work, shopping, or whatever is one's routine must be done before noon
- Lunch should be finished or at least begun by noon
- Finish the day's activities
- Dinner should be eaten before sundown
- Relaxation and self involved tasks, meditation or yoga, time with the family
- Bedtime by or before 10 p.m.
This may appear to be a regimented and confining lifestyle but, in actuality, the scheduling balances the stress of the day with properly eaten and well balanced meals, exercise, meditation, relaxation and plenty of rest, which creates a balanced and productive life.
This is but a very small glimpse of what the Ayurvedic lifestyle is like and what can be done to relax the body and mind from stress and demands of the day. Simple things such as herbal teas, oil massages, and treating yourself with calming foods are but a few of the things that can relieve the tensions of daily life. One thing that is highly recommended is to enjoy the eating process. This is a time to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for and to be alone with yourself or at peace in the companionship of family. To experiment with this process, try these simple tips at the next meal:
- Eat sitting down in an unhurried fashion
- Say a prayer or give thanks for the meal to set the stage for a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Concentrate on the meal. Do not watch TV or have other distractions going on in the room. Do not read the paper or a book at the table.
- Chew your food well. The best way to do this is to put your fork down between each bite and do not pick it up again until each mouthful has been completely chewed and swallowed.
- Remove tension or stress during the meal by not talking about bills, problems, conflicts at home or work, stressful situations or other emotional issues.
- Sit at the table for at least 5 to 15 minutes after eating.
- After you leave the table, take a short 5 to 10 minute walk or lie down for a few minutes.
It is also very important to watch WHAT you eat as well as how you eat. For a complete and comprehensive overview of Ayurvedic cooking, borrow from the library or purchase one of the many fine books available on this subject. It is important to note that each Dosha has specific foods that can calm or excite them, and it is very important that these foods be included or eliminated from the diet, depending on their cause and effect. As an example, pittas find calming in foods such as sweet fruits, vegetables and mung beans. Foods such as eggs, fish, sour, salty or spicy foods tend to agitate the pitta personality and intensify feelings of rage, anger and hostility. Perhaps the old adage, "you are what you eat" was coined in the Ayurvedic teachings!
