Ayurveda: The Eco-Spiritual Healthcare for Yogis

Each one of us is unique; no two people are alike.

Psychological, emotional and physical needs vary widely from person to person.

Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient wisdom of health and wellbeing. Its philosophy lies in the ancient scriptures of Vedas that commonly binds the practices of Yoga and Ayurveda.

“The Foundation of Ayurveda is Yoga. The Fruit of Yoga is Ayurveda.”

Yoga cultivates the physical-mental-spiritual link, which is a reinforcing practice that serves to encourage non violence and oneness—the foundation of clear consciousness and balanced health—our essential nature and higher goal.

Ayurveda is a complete and universal science of life. Within this vast body of knowledge is the medical/health science that we simply refer to as “Ayurvedic Medicine”. It is a unified science—where spirit meets senses and mind meets matter.

 

The Basics of Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic Medicine’s main emphasis is to know your Self and your environment well, and to choose your diet and lifestyle in accordance to the law of nature that governs you and your surroundings.

Self encompasses…

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Body (Sharira)

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Mind (Satva)

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Spirit (Atma)

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Senses (Indriyas)

The Law of Nature follows a rhythmic cycle of…

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Day & night

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Change of seasons

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Flow of time-space

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Alignment of the planets

The Main Idea is Balance

Health (Swasthya) is defined as…

Well-balanced metabolism and happy state of the being, mind & sense organs.

Well-balanced metabolism signs are…

 

 

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Strong to moderate appetite

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Regular bowel movements

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Undisturbed 6-8 hours of sleep

To achieve health and enhance your Yoga practice, Ayurvedic Medicine recommends…

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Proper diet

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Relaxing of the mind

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Maintaining internal & external hygiene

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A lifestyle that nurtures the five senses

Healthy Habits

Ayurvedic Medicine emphasizes healthy habits that help reduce toxicity due to undigested food and support internal hygiene:

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Eating in relaxed environment.

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Chewing your food well.

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Eating ¾ of your stomach’s volume.

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Exercise or shower at least an hour after eating meals.

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At least a 2-hour gap between meals.

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Drinking minimum water with meals.

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Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables.

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Keeping daily consistent meal times.

Wholesome Meals

For healthy wholesome meals, Ayurvedic medicine recommends blending the six flavors of nature; sweet, salty, sour, bitter, hot, and astringent in food preparations. Each flavor has an essential role in restoring a healthy state of mind, body, and spirit. However, it has to be consumed in moderation; excess or insufficient is unhealthy.

The 6 Flavors of Nature

Sweet – Promotes growth of all healthy tissues

Sour – Stimulates enzymatic flow

Salty – Works as sedative

Hot – Promotes secretions such as tears, sweat, and saliva and kills parasites

Bitter – Antibacterial and cleansing

Astringent – Promotes closing of wounds and sores, aids in joint repairs

 

Lifestyle

With stress so much a part of modern life, calming your senses will help you stay in touch with your inner self, incorporated with your daily practice of…

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Self oil massage

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Neti cleanse

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Gargling with salt water

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Washing your eyes with plain water and

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Use of essential oils on your temples

Teach yourself daily stress-relief habits such as breathing exercises, stretching, chanting, walking and sharing. More importantly, manage your own time and stress levels well; you are a powerful role model for your family & friends.

Prepared by Ismat Nathani, Doctorate of Natural Medicine, Ayurvedic Practitioner

Note – Information on this page is provided for the sole purpose of imparting education of Ayurveda and is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult a health professional.