What makes Ayurveda different?

When we talk about Ayurveda, we think about Yoga, Satwik, spiritual science and many more. But the truth is they are not the same.   Ayurveda is different. Yoga and Satwik and spiritual sciences are associated with lifestyle practices for leading a harmonious and healthy life. Meanwhile, Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that helps people heal from their health conditions physically, emotionally and spiritually.    This blog will dig deeper into these concepts and give a brief outcome of Ayurveda.   Yoga   Yogic refers to practices and principles related to Yoga. In Sanskrit, the term “yoga” originates from the word “yoke” or “union.” Yogic refers to a discipline that unites an individual’s physical, mental, and spiritual aspects with a universal consciousness.   Yoga is a discipline that aims to create harmony between the mind and body. It derives from a spiritual practice and a nuanced area of study. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires both creativity and knowledge.   Yoga, as described in Yogic scriptures, aids in aligning our thoughts with those of others, illustrating the harmony of our mind and body with the world. Contemporary scientists call quantum particles the basic elements that form everything in the universe. A person who feels a deep connection to everything is known as a yogi. They have achieved a state of liberation known as Mukti, Nirvana or Moksha.   Yoga is intended to assist individuals in gaining insight into themselves and overcoming their pain, ultimately achieving a state of liberation known as Moksha or Kaivalya. Yoga is focused on living a life of freedom and achieving overall health and balance. It provides a method for individuals to reconnect with themselves and assert authority over their lives. It has existed for an extended period and supports individuals in their growth and improvement, both in practical and spiritual aspects—the principles of yoga center around embodying virtuous behavior.   Satwik   Satwik life refers to following lifestyle practices with the intent of being pure, positive, clean, responsible and honest. This is achieved by following the best practices for a Satwik life.  Following them influence our bodies’ health and our minds’ state and help us lead a balanced life.    Sattvic diet emphasizes the consumption of foods with Sattva (pure) quality. It  consists of natural and healthy foods that benefit the body and mind. Foods that are included are natural, unadulterated and packed with energy. It also abides by causing no harm to other living creatures. This is one explanation for why yogis frequently opt for a vegetable-based diet.   Sattvic diet includes fresh, natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. It also comprises proteins from sources other than meat. Good dairy products are the result of cows being fed and milked correctly.   Spiritual Science   The concept of spiritual science combines elements of spirituality, moral beliefs and empirical knowledge. According to spiritual science, the world consists of tangible and visible elements and spiritual components. Spiritual science provides an alternative approach to understanding the world that diverges from traditional scientific and religious views. It demonstrates an alternative world perspective, distinct from science and religion. According to spiritual science, self-awareness is crucial, and our spiritual understanding can enhance scientific progress. It is an approach to understanding the world based on spiritual concepts rather than materialistic ones.   It is presented as an alternative to conventional science. Both spirituality and science aim to comprehend the fundamental aspects of the universe and our place within it. Science attempts to address this question through observation and experimentation, while spirituality examines it through introspection and personal experience. Spirituality involves contemplating and understanding concepts such as love, kindness, selflessness, afterlife, wisdom and truth.   Ayurveda   Ayurveda, on the other hand, is a traditional system of medicine that has been in existence for over 3,000 years. The tern “Ayurveda” is a combination of two words – Ayu meaning life and Veda meaning science or knowledge. Ayurveda, therefore, means science of life.    This traditional system of medicine emphasizes on the importance of maintaining a well-rounded balance between the mind, body, spirit, and environment for overall health. It strives to maintain people’s wellness, prevent them from becoming ill and address their ailments.     Ayurveda focuses on the entirety of the body, including the mind and spirit. According to Ayurveda, Doshas are the biophysical energies that represent the distinctive traits of individuals and influence their mental and physical health. There are three Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.   Every living thing in this universe consists of 5 “panchamahabhutas,” or five elements.  Now, you might be working on what this term is. Panchamahabhutas are the five vital elements in Ayurveda, including Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Ether. The human body composes all these five elements, but in different proportions.   Depending on the proportions of these elements, Doshas are categorized into Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and the best way to understand them is by observing their qualities.   Vata   Vata has more of the air element. The air has the property of moving and instability; similarly, Vata people show the same characteristics. They are always active and continuous to move, as they never sit idle. Anybody symptoms related to dryness are closely related to Vata Dosha. Whenever you feel lightness in your body, it means Vata is affecting your body.    Pitta   Pitta means fire. Fire denotes aggression, passion, etc., and therefore, Pitta people have more fire in them, depicting an aggressive and tenacious nature. Whenever you feel a rise in body temperature like fever, you should understand that Pitta in your body is increasing. One can conceptualize pitta as burning liquid fuel.   Kapha   Kapha is predominantly the Earth element, and people with Kapha are sluggish, slow, lazy and lethargic. Whenever you feel heaviness in your body, it depicts that Kapha is influencing your body. Kapha is predominantly present in heavy-weight or overweight people. The stiffness and rigidity in the body related… Continue reading What makes Ayurveda different?

Healthy People Traits According to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, health is not merely the absence of disease; it is a harmonious state of balance in mind, body and spirit.  And, in fact, highly healthy people possess a certain set of traits that, consequently, help them lead a disease-free life.   Sushrutha Samhita – one of the ancient Ayurvedic texts describes health as:      Sama dosha sama agnischa samadhathu mala kriyaaha।   Prasanna atma mana indriyaha swastha iti abhidheeyate।।      It means:     Health is a state where in the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) are in equilibrium, digestive fire (Agni) is in a balanced state, body tissues (Dhathu) and waste (Mala) work in normal state, all physiological processes are in harmony and the soul (Atma), mind (Manas) and sense organs (Indriya) are in a state of total satisfaction (Prasanna) and content.    It is hard to say if your health meets all criteria as defined above at first glance. But you can determine it by the kind of lifestyle, diet and routine you follow.       Traits that define highly healthy people as per Ayurveda       Ayurveda teaches us that true health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of vibrant harmony in every aspect of life. The ancient Ayurvedic text Caraka Samhita mentions 6 traits that help people lead a highly healthy life.    According to Ayurveda, a healthy person:     Is a creature of routine  They follow a routine, in terms of the rhythm of the universe.   Eats a wholesome diet  A healthy person is not only mindful of their digestion, but also of what they put into their body.   Looks before they leap  They do not give a sudden equal or opposite reaction to every action. Instead, they approach every situation with patience and thought.      believes that etachment>attachment  Sensual pleasures do not excite them. Furthermore, they believe in loving without attachment.”   Does what they say  Their thoughts, speech, and actions all agree with each other and  consequently, tell the same story.      Has mastered their mind  They have good control over their mind through meditation, consequently, they live a life of austerity.   It is interesting to note that the mind is of equal or more importance than the body to live a disease-free life.      Highly healthy individuals embrace the above-mentioned traits, nurturing self-awareness, eating mindfully, maintaining daily routines, and integrate Ayurvedic practices. By doing so, you unlock the secrets to lasting well-being, as envisioned by Ayurveda.     All the above-mentioned traits can be developed if you pay attention and are not unattainable. You just need the will to do it.      If you ask me, I am also still working on these traits every day! I’m sure, with some effort one day we will all reach there! Are you also a work-in-progress?  Want to heal from your health conditions and lead a disease-free life?   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Ayurvedic Life – Do You Need to Be Vegetarian?

Living an Ayurvedic life places a strong emphasis on achieving harmony and balance in all aspects of life, particularly in our diet. Ayurveda is often associated with vegetarianism. However, in reality, it is not a strict requirement for following an Ayurvedic life. Instead, Ayurveda places great importance on following dietary recommendations to suit an individual’s unique constitution (Prakriti), digestive capacity, and overall health status.   Ayurvedic Lifestyle   In Ayurveda, individuals are classified into three main Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person possesses a specific combination of these Doshas, and this combination influences their physical, emotional, and dietary needs, as well as their overall qualities. For instance, those with a Pitta constitution may have a robust digestive system and can handle spicy foods, while individuals with a Vata constitution often have a delicate digestive system and may benefit from warm, well-prepared dishes. Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of consuming whole, seasonal meals that align with one’s constitution and digestive capacity. This highlights the idea that the quality of the food takes precedence over whether it’s vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Ayurveda acknowledges that animal products can provide essential nutrients and nourishment when consumed mindfully and in moderation. To ensure the well-being of both individuals and the environment, Ayurveda recommends responsibly sourcing and processing animal products. Ayurveda also recognizes the profound connection between the mind and body in maintaining overall health and wellness. It underscores the significance of mindful eating. This involves being fully present and conscious during the eating process, free from distractions. Ayurveda also advises against eating while stressed, angry or upset, as this can lead to digestive issues.   Ayurvedic Lifestyle – Diet Plan   Ayurveda does not impose a strict vegetarian lifestyle, contrary to popular belief.. Instead, Ayurveda promotes the consumption of whole, fresh and seasonally appropriate foods tailored to an individual’s constitution and digestive capacity. It also acknowledges the potential benefits of animal products when consumed mindfully and ethically. Ayurveda underscores the importance of mindful eating and eating in a peaceful and relaxed environment to maintain optimal digestive health.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.