What is Ayurveda? Everything You Need to Know

What is Ayurveda? Known as the science of life, developed in the subcontinent of India about 5,000 years ago and has passed down through several generations. 

As a matter of fact, over 90% of Indians practice Ayurveda in one form or the other.

The name derives from Ayur–meaning life and Veda–meaning knowledge or science. Literally means the science of life.

The principals of Ayurveda define life as a combination of four entities–body, mind, senses, and soul. It also emphasizes the prevention and treatment of illness.

Though, the wellbeing of a person depends on the balance and harmony of these four entities, which are completely connected.  

Ayurveda practice is rapidly growing in popularity. This is because it is  100% safe and less side effects.

But what does this ancient practice have to bring to the modern wellness community?

What is Ayurveda Therapy?

They center the fundamental principles of Ayurveda around balancing the mind-body connection  and harnessing the power of self and spatial awareness for improving overall wellness.

According to Ayurveda, every individual has a unique constitution called Prakriti, which determines their physical and mental characters. 

It predominates the property by one or two of three bodily energies derived from nature known as doshas.

Petta

They link Petta to fire and water. In fact, it represents the energy of transformation.

It controls the endocrine and digestive systems, particularly your metabolism on how well you breakdown foods and some hormones linked to your appetite.

So when this energy is imbalanced, this will lead to harmful effects such as digestive problems, arthritis, and inflammation.  

Vata

Vata energy derives from air and space, also called the King of Doshas, since it gives motion in Petta and Kepha. 

Here, Vata governs anything related to movements such as nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination.

When out of balance, it causes fear, anxiety, loneliness and exhaustion.

Kepha

Lastly is the Kepha, linked to earth and water. They associate Kepha with strength and growth.

The main locations of Kapha are in chest, and torso. 

Factors such as stress, unhealthy diet, inadequate rest, and unhappy relationships cause imbalances in doshas.

In fact, these imbalances leave the individual susceptible to illnesses.

Ayurveda also aims to restore balance to this delicate system.

This therapy, although it is a highly individualized form of health care and two separate people, can never share the same experience.

Common Ayurveda Practices

An Ayurvedic practitioner will look for signs of energy imbalances and might also suggest different treatments and practices.

That is depending of course on your particular health problems.

Some practices include:

1. Body and Mental Relaxation

Breathing exercises or Pranayama is a mind calming method. 

Deep breathing clears the lungs and increases the oxygen intake.

In fact, they often recommend yoga and massages to relax the body and exercise particular muscles and bones.

2. Colorful Diet

So with Ayurveda, it not just about a healthy diet. Besides nutrition, it’s all about the flavors and colors.

While this approach suggests including all six tastes of food in every meal, and it also encourages a diversity of colors in every serving. 

3. Abundant Rest and Sleep

According to Ayurveda, lack of sleep weakens the immune system and speeds up aging. 

So having deep sleep repairs and rejuvenates the body and the mind. Whereas, the general recommendation is 6-8 hours of peaceful sleep every night.

4. Connection with Nature

Since doshas are derived from nature, a spiritual reconnection with the natural world helps restore balance by interacting with wildlife and the environment through nature walks, hiking, or camping.

The Takeaway

This is not actually an alternative to modern medicine. 

Although there are herbs and drugs developed for Ayurveda medication, the practice only enhances physical and emotional wellbeing.

Wellness practices under Ayurveda principles such as aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, and exercises to improve the quality of life by promoting health and happiness. 

Keep reading our blog for more interesting articles where we answer important questions about Ayurveda?