Ayurveda is an ancient Indian holistic health science that has been around for over 5,000 years. Its main focus is the overall well – being of the human body, mind and spirit and this is accomplished via preventive health care (proper dietary and lifestyle regimens – dincharya, ritucharya etc) and ayurvedic treatments for chronic or acute diseases well suited to a person’s individual ‘prakriti‘. A major belief according to Ayurveda is that the food we eat effects our overall wellbeing, and can make us healthy or ill. Essentially, we can be full of energy and vitality, or lethargic and run-down based on what we put into our bodies.
Understanding that food is the fuel for our body, an additional benefit that coincides with this ancient practice is the clarity of the mind it gives us. Ayurvedic practitioners often report they can concentrate better, sleep better and feel less anxious overall. Here are 10 ways Ayurveda can benefit your life on a daily basis.
1. YOU GET TO KNOW & APPRECIATE YOURSELF
Ayurveda encourages you to know your body and discover your individual needs, as well as grow, heal, and reflect on your life. According to Ayurveda there are three main body types and personality characteristics, known as doshas. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and while most people tend to fit one particular dosha, oftentimes people can be a mixture of two, with one dosha being more prominent. It is, therefore, best to have a prakriti analysis done by a certified ayurvedic practitioner to get a better understanding of your body.
2. OFFERS A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH
Ayurveda says that health is a natural state of being. 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 are 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 sorts, you can simply refer to the suggested foods based on your prakriti to eat or avoid to regain balance.
3. YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR CONNECTION TO NATURE BETTER
A principle of Ayurveda is that we are a part of nature. Nature has five elements which include:
Space
Air
Water
Fire
Earth
These elements, their behaviour, and the interaction they have in your life is a big deal in the practice of Ayurveda. For example, Air will show up 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 optimum balance.
4. 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.
5. IT GIVES MORE MEANING TO LIFE
Ayurveda reminds you that you’re much deeper than your skin. There is an essence to you, and an energy that is unique. Ayurveda will continue to remind you 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. You will begin to really see and feel that healing begins from within, starting with the food you put in your body.
6. 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.
7. TOXINS IN THE BODY ARE REDUCED
There are three different kinds of toxins. The most common is ama, which is 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 and the digestive fire ‘agni’ is at it’s prime, will prevent these toxins from further developing.
8. BETTER DIGESTION
As you begin to eat according to 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.
9. REDUCED STRESS AND GREATER SENSE OF WELL-BEING
To put it simply, food influences how you feel. If your digestive system isn’t firing, you feel uncomfortable and tired, which can manifest into negative feelings and ultimately affect how you show up in life. By following a diet that is specifically tailored to your needs, you can begin to find clarity in your body and mind. Again, the holistic approach of Ayurveda means it also positively affects your mindfulness practices, helping reduce stress overall.
10. A STRAIGHT-FORWARD REGIME FOR YOUR DIET
Ayurveda is very clear about what you should eat based on your dosha. The guidelines on what to eat and when are simple to follow. It may be an adjustment at first, but think of it as eating the foods you were always meant to eat.
If you are looking to bring lasting change into your diet, health or even your life, Ayurveda is the path to follow. With time tested guidelines that have been proven true for thousands of years, consider it an all encompassing wellness plan designed to bring true transformation to every aspect of your life.
Get in touch with highly skilled Ayurvedic Doctors in Delhi at SKK Ayurveda and Panchakarma.