Consider getting out of bed every morning as a new day with lots of vigor and being at one with your inner self. It is no dream; that is what Ayurveda, India’s ancient health care system, offers and fulfills to those genuinely believing in it.
What is this thing called Ayurveda and why should you be bothered?
In some aspects, modern science now only ‘discovers’ what Ayurveda practitioners have learnt for hundreds if not thousands of years. The Articles of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine think that Ayurveda can offer solutions ranging from digestion to stress. But, first of all, it distinguishes Ayurveda from other systems of treatment. Ayurveda books are not a wording of disease symptoms.
When Ayurveda talks of the dosha of your body, what is it speaking about?
According to Ayurveda, we all have a unique combination of three energies or doshas, namely:
- Vata (Air and Space): Controls movement and change
- Pitta (Fire and Water): Governs metabolism and transformation
- Kapha (Earth and Water): Maintains structure and stability
Knowing your dominant dosha helps you:
- Choose the right food for your body
- Choose the best exercise routine
- Know when to sleep and wake
- Know which stress management technique suits you
- Know what practices in life will most suit you
Can Ayurveda improve your digestion and energy levels?
It’s a yes! And science agrees with it! Ayurveda stresses digestion as the first source of health. A study by the International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy has established that most Ayurvedic digestive principles, like mindful eating and consuming certain spices, greatly enhance nutrient absorption and energy levels.
The secret lies in something Ayurveda calls “Agni,” or digestive fire. When your agni is strong, you digest food better and all your experiences and emotions better. A simple practice is eating your main meal at lunch when your digestive fire is most potent, and a few warming spices like ginger and cumin in one’s meals can make a big difference, too.
How Can Ayurveda Help You Better?
Millions worldwide are affected by poor sleep. Ayurveda offers practical solutions, not through sleeping pills. The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that oil massage, abhyanga, and specific yoga poses are Ayurvedic practices that enhance both the quality and quantity of sleep.
The key is an appropriate bedtime routine. This could involve a light, early dinner, gentle stretching, or a warm cup of milk with sleep-promoting spices such as nutmeg and cardamom. These easy changes can help reset your natural sleep cycle.
How acute can stress and anxiety be minimized with the help of Ayurveda?
This means that today’s busy working schedules can cause stress and anxiety. Science has also prescribed a number of solutions in Ayurveda for the patient’s mental state of health. Research done in the International Journal of Yoga showed that meditation and pranayama are part of Ayurveda that help reduce stress and increase brain strength.
Ayurveda employs specific herbs to treat mental health. For example, ashwagandha is an Ayurveda herb established through clinical studies to decrease stress levels and increase the resisting capability of stress. These herbal remedies can improve your balance without a harmful side effect, which usually comes with standard anxiety treatment.
How does Ayurveda work to enhance skin and beauty?
Beauty in Ayurveda is not only skin-deep. It offers a holistic approach to looking and feeling your best. Research in the Journal of Dermatological Science has shown that many herbs and practices used in Ayurveda improve the health and appearance of the skin.
Where conventional solutions might falter is on such an understanding level: just the practice of oil massages applied day after day, natural mask recipes that include, for example, turmeric and gram flour applied over the face would become an add-on diet considering your skin type. It also improves circulation, dampens inflammation, and lets your skin work within its best healing conditions to promote better outcomes.
Does Ayurveda work for weight control?
Yes, but not by dieting or drastic measures. Ayurveda is gentle and sustainable with weight management. Some publications on the studies of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine prove that Ayurvedic dietary principles and lifestyle changes lead to sustained, healthy weight loss.
The secret lies in eating according to your body type, recognizing your natural hunger signals, and understanding which foods nourish you. Ayurveda also focuses on correct digestion for weight control.
I am interested in using Ayurveda; how do I go about it?
It doesn’t mean you must start changing everything immediately, beginning with Ayurveda. Start small, with a few manageable changes. Consider establishing a regular sleep schedule or incorporating warming spices into your meals. As you feel the benefits, you can gradually add more Ayurvedic practices.
Remember, Ayurveda is about working with your body, not against it. Listen to how your body responds differently to various practices and adjust accordingly. What works for someone else may not work for you, which is perfectly fine.
What healthy ayurvedic medicines are readily available in our kitchen using household ingredients?
Spices in the Kitchen as Medicine
Your kitchen is an inimitable medicine chest. All the spices and foodstuffs you use daily are special remedies, full of power to maintain health. Let’s learn about some easily accessible items from your kitchen that Ayurveda used thousands of years ago for treatment.
Magic of Turmeric and Black Pepper
Simply add one tablespoon of turmeric and pepper powder in warm milk. It is a simple recipe and very effective in dealing with pain and swelling around your body. The black pepper helps your body absorb the good things from turmeric better. Many people drink this before bedtime to sleep better and stay healthy.
Ginger and Honey Power
Raw ginger is perfect for health. Chew ginger, crush it, and mix it with honey for colds or coughs. The mixture will help discharge the throat and nose. Ginger tea can also be prepared by placing small pieces of ginger in boiling water. After some time, pour the tea and add one spoonful of honey. It aids digestion, has a warming effect on the tummy, and coaxes sleep.
Cinnamon and Cardamom Benefits
Cinnamon regulates blood sugar. Add a small piece to your morning tea. Mix cinnamon powder with honey and take it in the morning, too. Cardamom prevents bad breath and helps to digest food. Chewing on a cardamom pod after meals will help you digest food properly.
Simple Mint and Fennel Remedies
Mint leaves are delicious when you have upset stomach problems. You can prepare fresh leaves with tea or even chew them raw. Fennel seeds are generally eaten after meals in India. They act as an excellent digestive aid. Keep the fennel seeds immersed in water overnight, and then drink that water in the morning for better digestion.
Remember, these home medicines are non-toxic and non-allopathic, yet if you are seriously suffering from grave diseases and complaints, consult with your physician.
What scientific evidence justifies Ayurvedic practice?
Indeed, modern studies prove many of the principles that Ayurveda had given, and they are confirmed by science today. Papers published in the journals reflect more and more evidence-based research demonstrating the efficacy of herbs in Ayurveda, diet practices, and lifestyles. Many studies have proven practices, such as tongue scrapings for oral hygiene and oil pulling for dental hygienics, backed by this journal, Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Scientific discoveries have supported Ayurvedic treatments in most areas; most traditional medication treatments still require more research. Changes in your health habits or routine should always come through qualified healthcare providers.
What Have We Learnt?
How can Ayurveda help along with modern medicine?
Ayurveda works well in conjunction with modern medicine. Think of it as adding another tool to your health toolkit. Modern medicine is excellent for treating acute conditions and emergencies, while Ayurveda is perfect for prevention and maintaining wellness in general.
For example, for chronic diseases like ongoing medication, Ayurvedic diet and life practices can reduce the symptoms of side effects and help bring about an improved quality of life. Make sure your regular doctor and Ayurvedic practitioner know all the treatments you are on.
Remember that change of life through Ayurveda is a journey, not a destination. Be small, consistent, and attentive to how your body will respond. You might be surprised by how much better you can feel when your lifestyle aligns with nature’s wisdom.