Ayurveda is the oldest of known to the world medical systems. This is a proven system of prevention and healing, confirmed by thousands of years of practice. Prevention plays a more important role in it than therapy. The goal of Ayurveda is not to fight disease, but to achieve health. Health is balance, imbalance leads to disease. Illness is a signal that there is a need for change. We need to get rid of our usual idea of illness symptoms as annoying and meaningless obstacles, and then we will gain strength. Recovery occurs when we stop blaming other people or external circumstances for our adversities, and begin to perceive these adversities as challenges that open up new paths for us. Illness can be turned into an opportunity for growth and development. Thus, health is a dynamic balance between the integral and unique human personality and nature as the totality of all manifestations of existence. Ayurveda is the medical side of hatha yoga, one of the systems alternative medicine, India's oldest healing system, with written evidence dating back over 5,000 years. This is the science of life and death, health and illness, conception of children, childbirth, development of the body, old age, proper nutrition and lifestyle, rejuvenation and prolongation of human life
“Ayurveda is the knowledge of suitable and unsuitable, favorable and unfavorable living conditions, factors that promote and hinder longevity, and how one should approach life in general »
(Charaka, doctor).
The wisdom of Mother Nature embedded in Ayurveda makes Ayurveda rightfully considered the most complete healing system dealing with the body, mind and soul. Ayurveda provides an understanding of how to cooperate with Nature and live in harmony with it. Ayurveda helps healthy people maintain health and sick people restore it. This is how the main Ayurvedic treatise describes happy life: “A happy life is for a man who is courageous and valiant, who has general and specific knowledge, in particular in the work of his organs and senses, who is quite prosperous and knows how to receive various pleasures from life, who achieves desired results in all matters he undertakes. A life opposite to the above is an unhappy life.”
(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, ch.30 sutra 24)
Ayurveda is recognized by WHO (World Health Organization). This ancient system of health has had a huge influence on various branches of medicine, from ancient Greek in the West to Chinese in the East. Ayurveda is also the basis of Tibetan medicine with the later addition of Chinese medicine.
Was last modified: March 14th, 2019 by consultant
When we mean close to ideal relationships between people, we mean a happy life with our lover and family prosperity in harmony.
However, over time, love often brings only disappointment and suffering.
Why is this happening?
According to our common sense, this is life. And according to the Vedic concept (the Vedas are collections of spiritual and philosophical Indian treatises), there are seven energy centers in the human body. And in accordance with the level at which compatibility arose between two people, a specific relationship scenario is laid out.
The following are energy centers and options for developing relationships, according to the Vedas:
Coccyx area
the zone assumes rapid development of relations. Here's an example scenario: you met at a disco and the next morning you woke up in the same bed. The night was very enchanting, and you think that here it is, the key to the lock. Meanwhile, we are talking only about compatibility at the lowest level - sexual. If nothing but harmony in bed binds you, the prognosis is not the most favorable. As a rule, after six months life together Such relationships exhaust themselves and instead of passion comes disappointment from unfulfilled expectations. It’s another matter if, after talking, you recognize kindred spirits in each other. This means that the relationship has moved to a higher level.
Umbilical center
this center is responsible for the movement of energy in our body. Here the scenario involves meeting someone on a hike or on some exciting trip. You have many common interests: skydiving, cycling, rock climbing or a passion for alternative music. At this level of compatibility, another option for starting a relationship is possible, for example, when a woman or man intuitively chooses a partner, next to whom they feel stability, comfort and peace. What's the prognosis? Your couple has good opportunities to build a stable union. However, it is advisable to be more interested in each other’s feelings and inner world, otherwise in the future it will be difficult for you to make important decisions: for example, where it is better to live or work.
Solar plexus
A man and a woman feel good and have fun with each other. After communication, they feel joy and a charge of positive energy. The couple works together to fight boredom and routine, constantly coming up with new reasons to be positive. We can assume that you were introduced by friends or that the meeting took place at a mutual friend’s birthday. This is a very harmonious and lasting union. Meanwhile, emotions prevail in him, and for Serious relationships sometimes this is not enough. Try to find common interests, set a high goal and strive for it together. Relationships at this level are also possible under other circumstances: when partners, through marriage, strive to occupy a good position in society and receive a certain benefit. Keep in mind that this approach is very superficial: when people need support from relationships, they are rarely interested in anything more than their own interests.
Heart center
Unlike previous scenarios, such relationships are based on conscious choice, and not just on intuitive attraction. Most often, such an affair begins in the workplace or in the process of joint activities, for example, related to environmental protection or charity. People not only have similar interests, but move in the same social circles. They like to talk heart to heart and think about lofty things. At the same time, they can be just friends for a long time. This is considered to be a very strong type of relationship. Rarely does anyone remain dissatisfied with them. And even if problems arise at the level of other centers, the couple will be able to discuss and resolve everything.
Throat center
The fifth chakra, which is the throat area, is responsible for emotions. This is a union of people with artistic, musical and artistic abilities, whose activities are associated with manifestations of feelings and intuition. Both partners know how to see beauty and harmony in the world around them; they are refined and poetic by nature. Accordingly, their love is sublime and exciting, as if straight from the pages of classic French novels. Such marriages are truly happy and stable. Gradually, feelings may lose their former passion, but in any case, lovers will remain comrades-in-arms and good friends.
Frontal center
You understand each other perfectly and have similar opinions on all issues. Also at this level, people who are constantly improving their inner selves can become close. They can be very different in personal characteristics, but, reaching a certain level of perfection, for example, devoting their lives to serving people and a high idea, they become interesting to each other and close in spirit. Another option: when choosing a partner, people are guided by astrological compatibility. At this level, very strong relationships are born, since it is the mind that controls feelings, energy and body. For those who strive for such a union, the Vedas promise harmony and happiness in their personal lives.
Crown center
The happiest love is achieved as a result of compatibility at the level of highest values. In these relationships, as a rule, the wife recognizes the authority of her husband and tries to listen to his point of view. Why does a perfect union form when there is a coincidence at this center? According to the Vedas, before getting married, people must decide on their mission, develop character: only then are they able to find a suitable companion and fulfill their life purpose.
From your style Everyday life depends on your health and quality of life experience. This factor affecting health is the most controllable. You can't control the weather or your genes, but what you do every day either strengthens or weakens your body. The decisions you make every second - what to eat, how much to eat, how to react to other people, whether to exercise or not, how late to stay up at night, and so on - determine your mental and physical health.
How is a lifestyle formed? Is it just a habit based on how your parents lived and the environment you grew up in? Should your wake-up time be determined by when you need to get to work, and your menu determined by the food at the nearest diner? What principles should you follow if you decide to change your lifestyle and follow new, healthier habits?
According to Ayurveda, the best thing you can do is to strive to live in harmony with Mother Nature.
In harmony with nature
Ayurveda flourished in a culture different from life today, in a world where human life was closely intertwined with the life of nature. The rhythms and forces of nature that permeate our lives - the alternation of day and night, the cyclical change of seasons - influence us, as do the inevitable periods of human life: birth and growth, aging and death. Through the plants we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe along with all creatures, we are inextricably linked with nature.
The enlightened sages who created Ayurveda understood that the main key to good health is to bring yourself into harmony with nature. Therefore, as you will soon see, the ideal daily routine from an Ayurvedic point of view is created based on observations of nature.
To be in tune with nature also means to be in harmony with your nature, your constitution, or prakriti (one of the meanings of which is “nature”). It means being true to your own nature, your mental, emotional and physical makeup. This means that everything that goes into your lifestyle—how much and what kind of food you need, how much and how you exercise, what your sleep needs are, what level of sexual activity is normal for you, and what climate is most beneficial for you—depends from the combination of your doshas that determines your individual nature.
Living in harmony with nature and its laws means constantly balancing your inner ecology, adapting to the constantly changing environment.
DAILY REGIME
Daily routine is important to maintain good health and to transform the body, mind and consciousness to a higher level of functioning. A rhythmic daily routine brings us into harmony with the rhythms of nature. It establishes balance in the constitution and helps set the biological clock, increases the efficiency of the processes of digestion, absorption and assimilation of food and generates self-esteem, discipline, peace of mind, happiness and the possibility of a long life.
The habit of getting up too early or too late or staying up long at night, disordered eating, stress at work, untimely bowel movements are just a few of the things that can unsettle us. Rhythm in sleeping, waking up, eating, eliminating waste and other daily activities brings discipline into our lives and helps keep the doshas balanced.
The body is a clock, or rather, several hours at once. According to Ayurveda, each organ has its own period of maximum activity. Morning is the time of the lungs, and midday, when we feel especially hungry, is the time of the stomach. The second half of the day is the time of the liver, and at the end of the day the kidneys and colon reach their peak activity.
The biological clock works in time with the rhythm of the doshas. In the morning and evening (at dawn and dusk) the influence of vata is strongest. In the early morning, from about 2 am until sunrise, vata creates movement and people often wake up to go to the toilet. At the end of the day, from about 2 pm until sunset, vata causes a feeling of lightness and activity.
Morning and evening are the time of kapha. From sunrise until about 10 a.m., kapha makes one feel fresh but slightly heavy. Then it appears again in the evening, from about 6 to 10 o'clock, ushering in a period of cooling, inertia and loss of strength.
Noon and midnight are pitta times. In the late morning, kapha slowly merges with pitta, and the person begins to feel hungry. Pitta peaks again from about 10 pm to 2 am, when food digestion occurs.
In general, the daily cycle of Vata-Pitta-Kapha looks like this: 10
6 - 10 am kapha
10 – 2 days pitta
2 – 6 pm vata
6 – 10 pm Kapha
10 – 2 nights pitta
2 - 6 am vata
Thus, there are rhythms of doshas (periodic achievement of maximum activity of doshas) and biological clocks (periodic achievement of maximum activity of organs). Based on the rhythm of these hours, the ancient sages developed the Ayurvedic daily routine (dinacharya). This regime is the art of achieving harmony between the dosha clocks, the biological clock and physical time. Let's consider its most characteristic features. 10 This division is valid in India, where the sun sets at approximately 6 pm in both winter and summer and rises at 6 am. In Russia it is true only in autumn and spring. In winter, the duration of the night periods of doshas increases, and in summer - the daytime periods. (Editor's note)
Wake up early
It is very useful to get up before sunrise. At this morning time, purity prevails in nature, which can refresh perception and pacify the mind.
Ideally, Vata individuals should get up around 6 a.m., Pitta individuals at half past five, and Kapha individuals at half past five. This is the ideal norm - just try to get closer to it. If you can wake up at half past five, very good.
Immediately after waking up, look at your hands for a moment, and then lightly run them over your face, neck and chest to your waist. This will give you more energy.
Say a prayer
It is good to start the day by focusing on the Divine Reality that is life. You can do it your way, as your religion or intuition tells you, or use this simple prayer:
O Beloved, you are in me -
In every breath I take -
In every bird and every mighty mountain.
Thy mercy extends everywhere,
I am under reliable protection.
Thank you for this new day.
Let joy, love, peace and compassion enter
In my life and everyone I meet on this day.
I heal and am healed.
Wash, rinse your mouth and eyes
Rinse your face a couple of times cold water. Rinse your mouth, then rinse your eyes with cold water and massage your eyeballs by gently rubbing them across your eyelids. Blink seven times and then move your eyes in all directions - side to side, up and down, diagonally, clockwise and counterclockwise. All this will help you feel energetic and fresh. (See “Eyes—Care” in Part II for more details on eye wash techniques and eye exercises.)
Drink a glass of water
Drink a glass of water at room temperature, preferably from a cup or other pure copper vessel. (Fill the cup the night before and leave overnight.) If the water is too cold, it may trigger kapha-type disorders such as colds, coughs, or strep throat. In fact, people with kapha or vata constitutions are better off drinking hot water, and for a pitta constitution, lukewarm water is better.
Water will flush the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, stimulate the peristalsis of the small intestine, the descending part of the large intestine, the valve of the ascending intestine and help with good bowel movements.
It's not a good idea to start the day with coffee or black tea. This weakens the kidneys, overstimulates the adrenal glands and promotes constipation. In addition, tea and coffee are addictive.
Empty your bowels
Sit (or better yet, squat) on the toilet to defecate. If you don't have the urge, sit without pushing for a few minutes. If you do this every day after drinking a glass warm water, you will gradually develop the habit of defecating at this time every day. (See “Constipation” in Part II.)
After defecation, wash your anus with warm water and wash your hands with toilet soap.
Brush your teeth and tongue
Use a soft brush and herbal powder made from astringent, pungent and bitter herbs to brush your teeth. (See “Teeth and Gums Care” in Part II for additional tips.)
Clean your tongue every morning. It's an important part of your daily hygiene routine, and you'll learn a lot about your health. Notice how coated your tongue is and how your breath smells. If you smell the pizza you ate for dinner, it means the food has not yet been properly digested. If the tongue is heavily coated, it means there is a lot of ama, or toxins, in the body. Perhaps you ate too late or dinner was difficult to digest.
If there is a coating on your tongue and your breath smells bad, refrain from breakfast. It is unwise to have breakfast if you have not yet digested yesterday's dinner.
Over time, you will find that following the regimen described leads to greater awareness. By following it, you come into contact with your body and observe its work. You receive information about its condition. This gives you the opportunity to improve your health by changing your behavior.
To clean your tongue, it is better to use a special stainless steel scraper, but a spoon will also work. Gently scrape the plaque from the base to the tip of the tongue until the entire surface is clean (seven to fourteen passes will be needed). In addition to removing bacteria from the tongue, such cleaning indirectly stimulates internal organs, activates agni and digestive enzymes.
Rinsing
To strengthen your teeth, gums and jaws, improve your voice and prevent wrinkles, rinse your mouth with warm sesame oil twice a day. Hold the oil in your mouth, vigorously swirling it around your mouth, then spit it out and lightly massage your gums with your index finger.
Nasal drops (nasya)
Then place 3 to 5 drops of warm ghee, brahmi ghee or sesame oil in each nostril. It helps clear sinuses, improves voice and vision, and increases mental clarity. In dry climates and cold winter When the room is heated with dry air, this helps keep the nasal passages moist. (Additional information about nasya is given in Appendix 3). The nose is the gateway to the brain. The use of nasal drops nourishes prana and revitalizes the consciousness and intellect.
Oil massage
Take 120 - 150 g of warm (but not hot) oil and rub it all over your body, starting from your head. A light scalp massage will fill the coming day with a feeling of happiness, prevent headaches, and slow down baldness and graying of hair. If you oil your body before going to bed, it will make it easier to fall asleep and improve your sleep.
Oil massage improves blood circulation, calms the mind and reduces excess vata. The skin becomes soft, smooth and shiny.
For Ayurvedic oil massage, use sesame oil for vata constitution, sunflower oil for pitta constitution, corn oil for kapha constitution.
Ablution
After the oil massage, take a bath or shower. Bathing cleanses and refreshes. It relieves fatigue, gives strength, vigor and promotes long life. Daily bathing brings piety into life.
Physical exercise
Every person should do every day physical exercise. For many people, walking on fresh air early in the morning and some yoga stretching exercises. Some aerobic exercises, chosen according to your constitution, may also be beneficial.
People of kapha constitution, with their more powerful and heavier build, can and should perform more strenuous exercises. Jogging, cycling, playing tennis, aerobics, hiking and mountaineering are good for them (although they do not really like such vigorous activities). Pitta individuals feel better with moderate physical activity. Swimming is especially beneficial for cooling pitta. For people with a Vata constitution, leisurely activities such as walking, swimming or yoga are more suitable.
As general rule, in Ayurveda it is recommended to exercise at half your maximum capacity. One way to accomplish this rule is to exercise only until sweat beads on your forehead, under your arms, or along your spine. It is strongly recommended not to overexert yourself.
Stretching exercises are recommended for all body types. Poses that are particularly beneficial for Vata individuals include Sun Salutations (twelve cycles performed slowly). The main area of concentration of vata in the body is the pelvic cavity, and any exercises that stretch the pelvic muscles help calm vata: Forward Bends, Back Bends, Back Twists, Shoulder Stands, Leg Raises, Plow, Camel, Cobra, Grasshopper, Cat and Cow Head poses . Headstand, Half Wheels and Yoga Mudra are also useful for Vata individuals. (For illustrations of poses, see Appendix 4.)
The seat of pitta is the solar plexus, so stretching exercises in the solar plexus area are especially beneficial for people with a pitta constitution and will help them pacify pitta. These are the positions of Fish, Boat, Camel, Grasshopper and Bow. People of this type should perform the Moon Salutation (sixteen cycles performed at a moderate pace). Headstand, Shoulderstand, Plow Pose and other inverted poses should be avoided.
The location of kapha is the chest. Exercises that increase lung capacity and increase blood circulation in the lungs chest, are beneficial to kapha individuals and will help them relieve or prevent bronchial congestion, cough and other kapha-type diseases. Helpful poses include Sun Salutation (twelve quick cycles) and Shoulderstand, as well as Plow, Grasshopper, Bridge, Peacock, Palm, and Lion poses (see Appendix 4).
Pranayama
After finishing the exercises, sit quietly and take several deep breaths; twelve Alternate Nostril Breaths for Vata individuals, sixteen Cooling Breaths (Sitali) for Pitta individuals and one hundred Breaths of Fire (Bhastrika) for Kapha individuals. (See Chapter 6).
Meditation
Move from pranayama to meditation. Perform the technique that you usually do. If you are not currently engaged in any meditation practice, try the Empty Chalice Meditation described in Chapter 7. Over time, you will find that meditation brings peace and balance to your life.
Meal schedule for three body types
VATA PITTA KAPHA
Breakfast 8:00 7:30 7:00
Lunch 11:00-12:00 12:00 12:00-13:00
Dinner 18:00 18:00-19:00 19:00-20:00
(Don't snack!)
Breakfast
After all this, it's time to enjoy breakfast. In the hot season, meals should be light, in cold weather - more substantial. Kapha individuals usually feel better if they skip breakfast, since eating in the morning (at the time of day when kapha is predominant) will increase kapha in the body. Follow the dietary guidelines for the three doshas described in Chapter 8.
At work
After breakfast, on the way to work or class, try to be aware of your every step and maintain a meditative state of mind. While looking at your boss or colleague, look within yourself at the same time. If you can achieve this, work will become meditation for you. You will find that you can perceive other people with compassion and greater awareness.
It is better not to drink tea and coffee at work. If you feel thirsty, drink some warm water or fruit juice, depending on what you like best.
Lunch break
By about noon you will be pretty hungry. Eat a serving of salad and a bowl of soup or some rice with vegetables. Follow the guidelines for your constitution. Don't drink too much during meals. You can drink a cup of warm (but never ice-cold) water in small sips. A small amount of water improves digestion.
You can drink a cup of water an hour before or an hour after a meal, but not immediately after a meal, as this will slow down digestion and create conditions for the formation of ama.
Sit and walk upright
Keep your spine straight. When your back is straight, energy flows upward and you can remain aware. It is very difficult to be aware with a hunched back.
Take a walk
After finishing work, go home and try to take a walk - in the forest, park or river bank, preferably alone and in silence. Listen to the water, the birds, the rustling of leaves, the distant barking of a dog. This will help you regain a meditative state of mind.
Every day can be amazing, something completely new. This is why the routine is so important. Discipline in following a regimen will allow you to learn to be aware, become open, and learn a lot of new things.
Dinner time
At about six o'clock in the evening, have dinner (for more exact times, see the “Meal Schedule for Each Dosha”). If you like to cook, you can use the book “Ayurveda. Healing Food,” which I wrote with my wife Usha Lad (see Further Reading). Don't watch TV while eating, try to pay all your attention to writing. Eating this way is meditation. When you eat mindfully, you eat no more and no less than you need.
It's better to eat before sunset. Late eating adversely affects metabolic processes in the body and makes restless sleep, as a result, you will not feel rested in the morning. If you have dinner early, then by the time you go to bed your stomach will be empty, and your sleep will be deep and sound.
After dinner
Hum while you wash the dishes. Be happy. Smile!
If you use triphala, you should take it no earlier than an hour after dinner.
Then, if you want, you can watch TV, such as a news program. You should know what is happening in the world around you. Or maybe you want to read a book or magazine.
Before going to bed
Before you go to bed, it's important to spend some time - even just a few minutes - doing spiritual reading.
Drink a cup of hot milk with a little ginger, cardamom and turmeric. This will help you fall asleep soundly. According to Ayurveda, milk taken at night nourishes the shukra dhatu, the most refined tissue of the body: the reproductive tissue.
Rubbing a small amount of oil onto the soles of your feet and scalp can also promote restful sleep.
Finally, just before you go to bed, meditate for a few minutes. Sit quietly and watch your breathing. In the pauses between exhalation and inhalation, we meet Nothing. Nothing is energy and intelligence, let this intelligence solve your problems. Start and end your day with meditation, and it will not leave you even during deep sleep.
Ideal times to go to bed and wake up
VATA PITTA KAPHA
Wake up 6:00 5:30 4:30
Going to bed 22:00 22:00-23:00 23:00-24:00
Time to sleep
People with a vata constitution are advised to go to bed at 10 pm and sleep on their left side. Pitta individuals should go to bed between 10 and 11 pm and sleep on their right side. The best bedtime for kapha people is between 11 pm and midnight and they should sleep on their left side.
Kapha individuals generally like to sleep around nine hours and find this to be beneficial for them. But this is an illusion. Such long sleep slows down their metabolism and creates the preconditions for weight gain. For kapha people, it is much better to stay up until 11 pm or midnight, wake up early, around half past five or five in the morning, and go for a walk immediately after sleep. This sleep pattern will help awaken the quality of lightness in their bodies and they will begin to lose weight and feel much better.
Sex
Ayurveda has certain recommendations regarding sex. Sex is a huge creative force, through sex people share love and compassion with each other and usually get great pleasure.
The type of constitution affects sex. The recommended frequency of sexual activity varies greatly for people with different constitutions. Kapha individuals with a strong constitution can have sexual intercourse two to three times a week, while people with a vata constitution are advised to do so once or at most twice a month. Pitta individuals occupy an intermediate position; for them, the recommended frequency is once every two weeks.
Too frequent sexual intercourse reduces ojas - the vital energy of the body - and makes a person weak and susceptible to disease.
To restore strength and replenish ojas, it is useful to massage each time after making love and drink nutritious drinks like almond milk (see “Anxiety” in Part II). The best time to have sex is between 10 and 11 pm. Having sex in the morning or afternoon is not recommended.
Compliance with the daily routine described above is very important.
I rely more on a good routine that keeps my vital juices in balance and gives me sound sleep. Drink hot on cold days, cold on hot days; observe moderation in everything; digest food, sleep, enjoy and don’t care about everything else.
Voltaire
SEASONAL CHANGES IN THE MODE
The seasons, like the time of day, are characterized by cyclical changes in vata, pitta and kapha. To maintain good health in all seasons, you need to live in harmony with natural cycles, constantly adapting to changes in the environment through food choice, amount and type of exercise, clothing, etc. The recommendations outlined in this section will help you feel the best way all year round.
Please remember that read in full
“Ayur” means “life” and “veda” means “knowledge”, and most often the word Ayurveda is translated as “the science of life” or, more accurately, “the science of long life”.
This traditional system of healthy living and healing has evolved over many centuries and is believed to be 5,000 years old, perhaps even more. Ayurveda is still practiced in India, and for most Indians its principles and remedies are an organic and natural part of everyday life.
Over the past 50 years or so, there has been a new wave of interest in Ayurveda in the West. It is clear that while some of its principles and practices may seem foreign at first glance, the overall system makes sense. And - more importantly - it works, and it is clear that Ayurveda has much to offer the modern Westerner.
The renewed interest is partly due to the sudden and widespread popularity of one of Ayurveda's sister sciences, yoga, which is also an aspect of the Vedic tradition. Ayurveda and yoga developed together and are complementary systems.
Dr. David Frawley, one of the very few Westerners who is considered a Vedic scholar even in India itself, describes Ayurveda as the healing branch of yoga, while yoga is the spiritual side of Ayurveda. It is no coincidence that many people come to Ayurveda through yoga, and vice versa. Initially, it is assumed that these two systems complement each other and are practiced simultaneously.
The idea is to achieve optimal health through Ayurveda, so that the physical body no longer “distracts” from spiritual practice - the opportunity to get in touch with innate intelligence, wisdom and live further in accordance with this growing self-awareness. And this is the path of yoga, the ultimate goal of which is liberation, self-realization.
Ayurveda relies on natural, natural healing methods: As opposed to synthetic drugs that provide quick results, Ayurveda primarily uses foods, herbs and gentle practices that are aimed at developing optimal health. Additional therapies may include chanting, massage and self-massage, aromatherapy, and therapy using semi-precious stones, metals and minerals. Thanks to the use of these natural, bloodless and non-stressful methods for the body, human health is formed slowly, but at the same time, steadily.
Ayurveda has a natural basis in another sense. Each person is considered as part of a single large whole - after all, we do not exist in some kind of emptiness, but are part of the surrounding world, which has certain indisputable laws and principles that regulate everything that exists. Just as everything around us is subject to this natural order, so we are subject to the laws of nature, our own human nature.
If we live in accordance with these laws, we have the best chance of survival and enjoyment new life. Conversely, if we ourselves do not conform to these laws, the result will be illness, disharmony and unhappiness.
For example, imagine staying up late every day when you really need more sleep. In the mornings you have to get up early to go to work, then during the day you drink a lot of coffee to keep yourself alert. Coffee leads to indigestion and over time you get stomach problems. An upset stomach makes it difficult for you to fall asleep early. You end up creating an unhealthy cycle that could have been avoided if you had realized that you simply needed more sleep.
Even such a simple example shows that the goal of Ayurveda is to reorient us towards our own nature. Ayurveda is based on a powerful and extensive theoretical framework that explains the workings of the Universe and how we humans are adapted to it. To fully grasp this vision, it is necessary to become familiar with Indian philosophy, and this training may take many years. Fortunately, Ayurveda is also amazingly practical and accessible, and it offers an accurate and in-depth understanding of human nature that includes many specific tips and guidelines for life.
Body, mind and spirit - unity and harmony
Western medicine is more focused on identifying and eliminating physical symptoms - without investigating their source. Ayurveda, on the other hand, looks at the whole person to gain a deep understanding of the root cause of the presenting symptoms.
For example, you go to the therapist complaining of nausea. A representative of European medicine will most likely write a prescription for a medicine that will eliminate nausea. An Ayurvedic doctor will look at all aspects of your life to find what might be making you vulnerable to illness. He will pay attention and physical health, and the state of your mind, and the spiritual aspect of your life. What was your state of mind when you became ill? And what are your main mental tendencies most of the time? Are you in a happy period of life now or not?
Ayurveda considers attempts to cure the body pointless if the state of the person’s mind and spirit is left unattended. Body, mind and spirit are seen as inextricably linked, so all treatment and lifestyle recommendations must be made taking into account all three aspects of the individual.
In the book “Perfect Balance,” Deepak Chopra writes: “ Leading Rule Ayurveda is that the mind has the deepest influence on the body, and freedom from disease depends on our own awareness bringing it [the mind] into balance and then spreading that balance to the body.”
Ayurveda also takes into account what surrounds us in life, the context in which we find ourselves. After all, all three aspects of our personality - body, mind and spirit - are constantly under the influence of external phenomena. Therefore, Ayurveda also takes into account factors such as weather and seasons, diet, activities you engage in, work and relationships in which you are involved. Every aspect of daily life is taken into account when assessing your health and determining the treatment and lifestyle recommendations that will then be prescribed.
Ayurveda has the means to solve a wide variety of health problems: from such mild conditions as colds to quite serious and even life-threatening. However, the main thing that Ayurveda focuses on is preventing the occurrence of disease. And to stay healthy, you must be an active participant in managing your own health.
An Ayurvedic doctor can look at all aspects of your life and give very detailed and precise recommendations, but ultimately it is you who must take responsibility for making it a part of your life. This way, you are empowered to actively participate in your healing, rather than simply hoping that someone else will heal you. With this approach, you will be able to achieve and maintain perfect new level good health.
Determining your individual constitution is the first step to taking control of your own health. Ayurveda is based on the understanding that people are very different from each other. Some people have a fast metabolism and need to eat often and regularly, while others, on the contrary, can easily skip meals without noticing it. Some people feel comfortable in hot climates, while others become completely exhausted in such conditions. Some people stay up all night and barely feel it, while for others it will leave them exhausted for the entire day. There are people who sleep lightly and those who cannot be woken up by a gun in the morning. This list can be continued almost indefinitely.
The point is that the same weather, food, activity and lifestyle choices do not have the same effect on everyone: we are individual beings with our own particular bodily and mental tendencies. But despite the fact that we are unique, Ayurveda says that certain patterns are common, hence the clever system of classifying people according to their type, or constitution - doshe.
Understanding your dosha type makes it possible to choose the right lifestyle that helps maintain and improve health. As you learn more about your dosha, you will understand how much sleep you need, what exercises are good for you, and many other things. Even subtle changes in your life can have profound effects on your health over time.
In addition to improved physical well-being, you may experience mental relief that comes with a clearer view of yourself; as opposed to trying to be something you are not, you can realize, “This is who I am, and that just means I need to do this and not do that.” Knowing your dosha can give you an interest in other people as well as a desire to understand them according to this system, and this insight can help bring harmony to your relationships.
The text is based on the book “Ayurveda Wisdom” by Cybele Tomlinson.
Without detracting from the achievements of modern medicine, adherents of Vedic culture try to use the advice and methods of the ancient science of healing - Ayurveda. The main difference between Ayurveda and Western medicine is that it does not just treat the symptoms of diseases, but explores and eliminates the subtle causes of physical and mental ailments.
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Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a healthy lifestyle system that people living in India have been using for over 5,000 years. The teachings of Ayurveda emphasize good health and disease prevention through lifestyle (including massage, meditation, yoga and dietary changes) and use of medicinal herbs.
Ayurveda is aimed not only at treating a person’s physical complaints, but also at lifestyle changes aimed at maintaining or improving health.
Western Ghats Mountains, south Indian state of Kerala. It is believed that Ayurvedic medicine originates from here, where the oldest Vishnu temple is located. Today the center of Ayurvedic medicine is in the resort town of Varkala.
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Principles of Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, the five elements of nature (space, air, fire, water and earth) are combined in the body in the form of three components (doshas), known as Vatta, Pitta and Kapha.
These doshas are closely related to the basic natural components and specific functions of the body. To maintain optimal health, a balance of these doshas is necessary.
Air and space represent Vatta. Vata controls the movement of muscles and joints, breathing and heartbeat. It also controls anxiety, fear, pain and other functions of the nervous system.
Fire and water represent Pitta, which is believed to control body functions such as digestion, metabolism, intelligence and skin color. Pitta rules the emotions of anger, hatred and jealousy.
Earth and water represent Kafa, which governs the physical structure of the body and the immune system. The emotional responses that Kapha is believed to be responsible for are calm, forgiveness, love and greed.
Lotus is one of the sattvic elements
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Doshas, according to the concept of Ayurveda, are also associated with the physical structure and personality traits.
A person with Watt dominance most often has short stature and thin build.
Pitta body type has more average muscular structure.
The appearance of the cafe matches large and well-developed physique.
Most people have a combination of doshas with a predominance of one type.
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IN Ayurvedic medicine It is generally accepted that if there is an imbalance in any of the doshas, disease occurs.
Ayurvedic medicine treats diseases different ways, including diet changes, herbal remedies, and exercise. According to the philosophy of Ayurveda, you can also resort to yoga, meditation and counseling to treat the disease.
What is Ayurveda used for?
People use Ayurvedic teachings to maintain health, reduce stress and improve flexibility, strength and vitality. Researchers have shown that yoga and meditation can be effective in treating diseases such as asthma, high blood pressure arterial pressure and arthritis.
Ayurvedic massage with bags of herbs and oil.
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Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of appropriate diet for maintaining good health and treating diseases. Medicinal herbs are prescribed based on a person's dosha type.
Researchers are studying the effects of Ayurvedic herbal medicines on long-term (chronic) diseases.
According to Ayurveda, to be healthy means to be happy. Only a person who is immaculately honest and pure in all respects can become truly happy - one who, in the process of spiritual practice, has acquired equanimity, calmness, friendliness towards all beings and freedom from internal enemies. The Vedas, which strongly recommend looking for them not in the outside world, but in your heart, name six main vices that take away our peace, health and, ultimately, shorten our lives.
Every person should know their true enemies by sight. Name: lust, anger, envy, greed, fear and illusion.
The legendary progenitor of Ayurveda is considered to be Dhanvantari, an avatar of Vishnu mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana and in the Vedas. The Hindu cult of Dhanvantari is associated with prayers for health. He is credited with having knowledge of surgery, herbal medicine, the antiseptic properties of turmeric, and the ability of salt to heal wounds
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So, unlike modern science, which has grown to understand the obvious fact that the illnesses that shorten our lives come from our polluted environment, indecent behavior and barbaric attitude towards our body, Ayurveda also connects the causes of diseases with negative emotions.
For example, resentment affects the heart, fear affects the kidneys, and the liver suffers in proud people. Naturally, Ayurveda also deals with problems of the physical body.
Before making a diagnosis and starting treatment, the Ayurvedic doctor determines the physiological constitution of the patient.
Unlike Western medicine ,where the same disease different people are treated with the same medications, Ayurveda takes into account which of doshas (vata, pita or kapha, corresponding to the elements of air, fire and earth with water) prevails.
