Nourish Your Soul: Ayurvedic Health Tips for Modern Living
Ayurveda is the oldest holistic medical system in the world. It offers a rich and comprehensive outlook to a healthy life; its origin is in the Vedas which are known to be more than 5000 years old. Ayurveda is based on the basic principle that the Universe is made up of five elements: air, fire, water, earth and ether as per Ayurveda. These elements are represented in humans by three “doshas”, or energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Every individual is depending on getting a right balance of these three doshas (tridoshas). Ayurveda provides healthy lifestyle and nutritional values to help the body to reduce the excess doshas.
The three doshas that are found in our body:
- Vata is related to air and ether elements that act as the force. It directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination.
- Kapha is related to water and earth elements. Kapha is responsible for growth and protection. Examples: The cerebral-spinal fluid, mucosal lining of the stomach etc.
- Pitta is related to fire and water elements deals with metabolism, e.g. the transformation of foods into nutrients. It helps in metabolism in the organ and tissue systems.
A healthy person, as defined in Sushrut Samhita, one of the primary works on Ayurveda is he whose doshas are in balance, appetite is good,
all tissues of the body and all natural urges are functioning properly, and whose mind, body, and spirit are cheerful.
Ayurvedic Treatment:
Ayurveda has eight different techniques to diagnose illness, namely Nadi (pulse), Mootra (urine), Mala (stool), Jihva (tongue), Shabda (speech), Sparsha (touch), Druk (vision), and Aakruti (appearance). The treatments are carried out using plant-based products
procured from roots, leaves, fruits, bark, or seeds.
Health Care:
Health care in Ayurveda is essentially aimed at balancing the doshas and gunas, bringing them into equilibrium. With this goal in mind, management of a disease is designed to diagnose which biomaterial s0 and components are in excess or not and how they can be brought into balance.
Dietary Management and Lifestyle Changes:
Follow a diet that balances the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in your body. Dietary and lifestyle interventions are initiated according to the disturbed doshas and the physical and mental constitution of a person.
If vata were disturbed, the diet would include oils, butter, and sweet food. If kapha were disturbed, the diet would include bitter, sour, vinegary, spicy, dry food. If pitta were disturbed, the diet would include mild tasting food, grains, lentils, and moderate amounts of sweets and oils.
Healthy lifestyle is very important to maximize the effect of palliative treatment. Ayurveda strongly advise the regular sleeping schedule, about 8 hours of sleep each night, wake up early in the morning; perform regular exercise; and eat healthy breakfast and engage in dietary recommendations according to seasons.
Here are some Ayurvedic herbs that are known for their immune-boosting properties:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha is used for many conditions related to stress. It is also known for its ability to enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and improve overall resilience. Ayurvedic practitioners use this herb as a general tonic to boost energy and reduce stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha can be taken as a supplement or used in powdered form, added to milk or warm water.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb that has been used in Ayurveda for centuries. Today, turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others. The active compound curcumin is responsible for its immune-boosting properties. Turmeric and conventionally formulated curcumin products are probably safe when taken orally or applied to the skin in the recommended amounts.
Amla (Emblica officinalis): Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It supports the immune system, promotes healthy digestion, and helps detoxify the body. It’s role in health management as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, cardioprotective as well as immunomodulatory activity is proven. Amla can be consumed as a fresh juice, dried powder, or in the form of supplements or jams.
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): Giloy is an immunomodulatory herb that helps regulate and strengthen the immune system. It is one of the most widely investigated and broadly used medicinal plant in the treatment of various ailments like heart disease, diabetes, leprosy, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergy. Giloy can be consumed as a decoction, powder, or in tablet form.
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum): Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is a sacred herb in Ayurveda. It is used as a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that support immune function. There is evidence that Holy Basil can address physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. Holy basil can
be consumed fresh as a tea, in powder form, or as a supplement.
Shilajit: Shilajit is an ancient Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to boost immunity, vitality, and overall well-being. Shilajit is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals that can damage cells and weaken the immune system. Shilajit has been shown to increase the production of white blood cells, which are vital for fighting off infections and diseases. Shilajit has been shown to enhance the production of cytokines, which are proteins that help coordinate the immune response. Shilajit also shown to reduce oxidative stress, which can help protect the immune system from damage caused by free radicals.
As we navigate the demands of modern life, it is easy to forget that our well-being is intricately connected to the natural world around us. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of health and wellness, reminds us that by tuning into the rhythms of nature and honoring our unique individuality, we can cultivate a deeper sense of balance, vitality, and purpose.