With an ever-increasing interest in Ayurvedic supplements and Ayurvedic vitamins, let us examine how Ayurveda works to understand how individuals can benefit from such natural products and practices. We will begin with the fundamentals of Ayurveda, including its origins, core principles, and philosophy. Then, we will delve into the concept of doshas and Prakriti. This discussion will culminate in examining the mechanism of Ayurvedic treatment and how one can adopt specific protocols to improve their quality of life.
A Simplified Introduction to Ayurveda
Widely regarded as the foundational healing science, Ayurveda is a comprehensive, multifaceted solution for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This traditional healing system originated in India in the 2nd century BC and has flourished. [Source: National Institutes of Health] Scholars, practitioners, and researchers have been fascinated with Ayurveda because of its numerous benefits and unique characteristics. The basis of Ayurveda rests on natural healing and employing the abundant resources available in nature to improve all aspects of human health. This article explores how Ayurveda works and how to employ its principles to improve your quality of life.
Origins of Ayurveda
The fourth and final installation of the Vedas, the Atharva Veda, conceptualised the core principles of Ayurveda. Ayurveda propped up the golden age of traditional Indian medicine between 800 BC and 1000 CE. The writings that concerned Ayurveda were significantly ahead of their time compared to other forms of healing when they first originated. [Source: National Institutes of Health] Ayurvedic medicine and preparations continue to offer a practical and accessible mechanism for healing.
Core Principles of Ayurveda
What sets Ayurveda apart is that this natural healing framework promotes a holistic lifestyle that covers curative and preventative health and well-being aspects. Furthermore, Ayurveda leverages the vast pool of resources already abundant in nature. Through an amalgamation of physiotherapy, diet, herbal extractions, yoga, and many other practical protocols, Ayurveda advocates for a better way of living, not just the curing and treatment of ailments. [Source: Britannica] Ayurveda believes in establishing a balance by achieving a state of equilibrium with the mind, body, soul, and nature.
The Philosophy Behind Ayurveda: It's All About Balance
Ayurveda emphasises prevention above all else and promotes maintaining health through proper thinking, balance in daily life, nutrition, way of life, and herb usage. Understanding Ayurveda helps one to establish and preserve this harmony of body, mind, and awareness based on their unique constitution and learn how to modify their way of life to achieve and preserve this equilibrium. Each being has a distinctive energy structure, a unique blend of mental, physical, and emotional traits that comprise their constitution. Numerous elements define this constitution at conception, which remain constant throughout a person's life. The immense flexibility that Ayurveda offers is unparalleled, which makes it perhaps the most accessible form of traditional medicine. Ayurveda further situates individuals in a much better position to look after their health and well-being by deeply connecting them with their souls and bodies. Instead of just prescribing a medicinal remedy, Ayurveda encourages individuals to examine the root causes of their issues. This practice enables people to return to sync with their natural rhythms and find optimal equilibrium for their life circumstances.
An Overview of the Concept of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
The five constitutional elements of Prithvi (earth), Jala (water), Vayu (air), Aakash (space), and Teja (fire) are the foundation of Ayurvedic treatment. Kapha, Pitta, and Vata are the three doshas (humors) that arise from combining the constitutional elements. [Source: Nature] Ayurvedic practice promotes the notion that these doshas are responsible for an individual's physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
The Ayurvedic philosophy dictates that the ratio of the doshas is unique in each individual's constitution, generally, with one dosha being more prominent than the others. One individual can be predominantly Vata, while another might be predominantly Pitta. An Ayurvedic specialist or practitioner can help you unravel your constitutional make-up. According to your constitution, as determined by the Ayurvedic framework, your treatment options will be catered to your individualised needs. Our discussion now calls for an understanding of Prakriti, the individual constitution of individuals.
Understanding Prakriti (Individual Constitution)
"Prakriti" refers to the constitution or nature of an individual and comprises the Tridoshas (the three doshas): Pitta, Kapha, and Vata. [Source: National Institutes of Health] The three primary Prakriti constitutions (Pitta, Vata, and Kapha) each exhibit a set of metabolic inclinations that aid in predicting how the human mind and body will respond to given stimuli. Every dosha has unique characteristics and purposes that apply to all biological structures and occur in every living being. The Tridoshas are responsible for the following segments in the human body respectively: Pitta dosha dominates functions between the navel and clavicle, Kapha dosha regulates the activity above the clavicle, and Vata dosha is responsible for all activity below the navel. A person typically possesses a natural preponderance of one dosha over the others or a dominance of a combination of any two doshas. [Source: Healthline]
The Kapha Prakriti is responsible for growth, structural maintenance, anabolism, stability, and storage. The Pitta pakriti is predominantly responsible for metabolism, homeostasis, and heat regulation. Vata Prakriti is primarily accountable for movement, waste excretion, and cell division in the human body. Every Prakriti contains unique Gunas (physiological, psychological, and physical characteristics) that depend entirely on how each dosha operates in a particular person. To be healthy, each person has to find and maintain an ideal equilibrium of their doshas, which their Prakriti dictates. Achieving this equilibrium is possible through Ayurveda practices and the associated way of life.
Mechanism of Treatments: How Ayurveda Works
Now that we are familiar with the theoretical and cultural background of Ayurvedic medicine let's explore some specific mechanisms through which individuals can leverage the knowledge of being aware of their doshas. Some evidence suggests that undertaking such Ayurvedic practices may positively impact hair and skin health and even help manage the symptoms of diabetes and other ailments. [Source: Science Direct] So, now we will look at how individuals can optimise the following three factors through the lens of doshas: exercise, diet, and lifestyle practices.
Exercise
Most Ayurvedic literature emphasises slow, gentle exercises like yoga and tai chi. Numerous health advantages, including stress management, physical fitness, and improved sleep, are achievable through such practices. Owning to the soft nature of these physical activities, most individuals, regardless of age or personal limitations, can follow them easily. Ayurvedic practitioners may suggest specific exercises based on an individual's unique make-up of doshas. Let us look at some general guidelines based on the prevailing understanding:
Vata: Vata-dominant people should concentrate on activities that need continuous mobility because of their active lifestyle, such as walking, jogging, cycling, yoga, etc.
Pitta: Individuals with a dominant Pitta dosha should avoid working out in hot environments as they are more likely to exert excessively. Playing team sports is an excellent approach to meeting Pitta's innate competitiveness and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Kapha: People with a dominant Kapha dosha should concentrate on a mix of weight resistance and aerobic exercises to keep them motivated and engaged. They would benefit most from working out with a training partner.
Diet
Regardless of which school of thought you examine, whether traditional remedies or modern medicine, diet plays the most critical and pivotal role in the health and well-being of an individual. Under the Ayurvedic framework, the doshas' ratios in an individual guide what diet they should follow. Following a diet based on your doshas aligns your nutritional health with your inherent and natural tendencies. Furthermore, following a diet based on the parameters set by a person's doshas encourages mindful eating and simplifies their dietary preferences and planning. As you will observe from the following examples, these are mere guidelines, and individuals can follow them per their life circumstances.
Vata: Consuming warming spices like ginger, pepper, and cardamom is ideal for people with a predominant Vata dosha. They should stay away from mixing too many various kinds of meals and stay hydrated. They should also avoid meals that elevate Vata, which include incredibly savoury or sweet items, like honey, white sugar, lettuce, sour fruits, buckwheat, tomatoes, and millet. Greasy, warm, heated, mushy, and liquid foods, like stews and soups, are the most synchronistic for Vata dosha diets.
Pitta: Those with a predominant Pitta dosha should avoid most spices, notably pepper, and chilli. Acidic foods like tomatoes, plain yoghurt, and salad dressing are also not an optimal source of nutrition for the Pitta dosha diet. As an alternative, Pitta diets may include meals comprising dairy, sweetened yoghurt, grains, and green vegetables.
Kapha: Individuals with dominant Kapha dosha may consume savoury and bitter foods like ginger, peaches, pears, and garlic to balance the water element. They need to include a range of spices in their meals. Kapha-dominant individuals must avoid frozen meals, greasy or high-fat consumables, and root vegetables. Ayurvedic supplements are an ideal medium through which individuals can stay aligned with their constitution.
Ingredients such as Amla, Neem, Brahmi, Bitter melon (Karela), Curry Leaf, Chamomile, Guduchi (Giloy), Almond, and Avocado are optimal for regulating all three doshas. They ensure that your constitution is well-balanced and synchronised with your needs. At You Recipe, our Ayurvedic experts design our supplements while being mindful of these crucial factors. You can shop our extensive range of Ayurvedic products to begin your health journey naturally!
Lifestyle Modifications
Ayurvedic medicine promotes mental, emotional, and physical well-being as parts of whole-body healing. Meditation, practising yoga, mindful eating, good sleep habits, engaging in activities alone and with others, and maintaining a work-life balance are examples of these lifestyle modifications. It is especially advisable to include these healthy living practices into your routine. According to Ayurveda, maintaining a regular schedule will keep you balanced with the Doshas and enhance your health. [Source: National Library of Medicine]
Regular routines and organising your day beforehand lead to better lifestyle choices, including exercise, a balanced diet, and restful sleep. Practising mindfulness and meditation reduces stress and enhances creativity, quality of life, and decision-making. Including these healthful behaviours in your everyday life is advised, regardless of your belief in the Ayurvedic principles. Ayurvedic supplements and vitamins are excellent options for individuals to begin their journey with Ayurvedic.
Conclusion
One should never disband the core principle behind the Ayurvedic practice, i.e., balance. Since the Ayurvedic framework is designed carefully with countless considerations accounted for, it would be unfair to isolate one element like diet or exercise alone and expect the same results. Instead, individuals should build a holistic and sustainable framework based on their needs and tendencies. Ayurveda offers an immensely comprehensive, reliable, and accessible mechanism to do just that. As is valid with any practice, moderation is essential, and you mustn't make any drastic changes to your lifestyle without consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner or medical professional. You Recipe offers a range of Ayurvedic supplements and Ayurvedic vitamins that can help you achieve your lifestyle goals.