Ayurveda, the Science of life, is a holistic health system practiced for thousands of years. It focuses on achieving a balance in physical, mental, and spiritual health. Ayurveda says, our well-being lies behind the harmony of doshas (body humors), Agni (digestive processes), dhatus (body tissues), malas (excreta), and kriyas (bodily functions). It emphasizes lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and treatments like shaman chikitsa (pacification) and shodhan chikitsa (purification) to restore balance.
Over time, Ayurveda has evolved, influencing numerous alternative therapies. Ayurvedic medicines and treatments offer various benefits. In this blog, we aim to know what Ayurveda is, its history, and its benefits. In short, we will know Ayurveda more closely!
What is ayurveda?
Ayurveda is among the oldest medical systems in human history. It is the Mother of all healing systems and is believed to have originated in India some 5000 years ago. Unlike conventional medicine, Ayurveda aims to promote health and well-being on all levels physical, mental, and spiritual.
Ayurvedic therapies aim to pinpoint the source of imbalance and bring the body back into balance rather than curing illnesses. Ayurveda also incorporates several dietary and lifestyle changes that can help people maintain their health and longevity.
History of ayurveda
Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine. It has a long story behind its inception and usage. Ayurveda originated in India over 5,000 years ago.
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that literally means ‘science of life’. The word ‘Ayur’ means life and ‘Veda’ means knowledge. It is based on the belief that health is a balance between the body, mind, and spirit.
Ayurveda has its roots and description in ancient texts like the Vedas and Upanishads. There we can mention Ayurvedic principles. Though we have some texts on Ayurvedic principles, most of the treatments used to be passed on orally which have been lost over time.
Three strong pillars of Ayurveda which exist even today are the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam. These texts have detailed diagnoses, treatments, herbal medicines, and surgical techniques. Ayurveda focuses on the balance of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
Ayurveda Principles
Ayurveda believes that every individual is different, their physical and mental level is different. In the Ayurvedic language, it is called Prakriti. Prakriti defines that everyone’s physical, mental, and genetic traits are different.
Ayurveda also believes that our body is made of five elements called Panchamahabhutas, Sapta Dhatus, Trigunas, and Tri Doshas. These 5 elements are earth, air, fire, water, and ether.
The Sapta Dhatus are Rasa (Plasma), Rakta (Blood), Mamsa (Muscle Tissue), Meda (Fat or Adipose Tissue), Asthi (Bone), Majja (Bone Marrow and Nervous Tissue), and Shukra (Reproductive Tissue). All of these dhatus are linked with each other and their sequence is known as ojas.
The Trigunas are Tamas, Rajas and Sattva. Whereas the Tridoshas are Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha.
Ayurveda believes that the human body is a combination of all of the above-mentioned elements. Sometimes one overpowers the others and sometimes one ceases to play its role. At this moment we need treatment to bring them back on proper adjustment.
Ayurvedic treatments keep the balance maintained with herbs, diets, and proper lifestyle habits. Yoga is an important part of ayurveda, and there are many health benefits of yoga.
Ayurveda Benefits
Ayurveda differs from traditional medicine in that it is a holistic healing science with many advantages. A few reasons to think about Ayurvedic treatment are:
Ayurveda is a complete recovery
Ayurveda treats the body, mind, and soul. You can select the diet and lifestyle that work best for you by working with an Ayurvedic practitioner to understand your individual body constitution. This method lowers tension and anxiety while preserving equilibrium.
Ancient treatment
For thousands of years, Ayurveda has been used as one of the oldest medical systems. It offers remedies for ailments like eczema that Ayurvedic treatments can successfully manage but that modern medicine may not be able to directly treat. You can use Turmeric or Ayurvedic products like Aloe Vera to soothe dryness and irritation.
It is natural and safe
Ayurvedic treatments, which are based on natural herbs and remedies, have no adverse effects when administered by a physician.
Illness Diagnosed with ayurveda
Ayurveda and modern-day conventional treatment have a lot of differences in their methods of diagnosis. Ayurveda diagnoses patients holistically, considering the equilibrium of the three doshas (Pitta, Kapha, and Vata).
Ayurvedic practitioners assess the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being in addition to their food and lifestyle choices. The diagnosis process uses methods such as Nadi Pariksha or pulse examination. It is the process where a doctor diagnoses tongue, eye, and skin observation, along with various questions on the patient’s history and nature. It helps them to determine symptoms and their underlying causes.
Ayurveda focuses more on identifying imbalances and underlying causes than on treating symptoms. This customized approach aims to restore balance between the body, mind, and spirit to support long-term health and well-being. Ayurveda describes a balanced life from all aspects, even promoting the use of copper utensils to reduce bacterial contamination in food.
About Ayurvedic Medicines
People feel skeptical about ayurvedic medicines whether they work against diseases or not. But you won’t believe that it works even in a better way than the conventional way. In some diseases, chemical medications sometimes don’t work as effectively as Ayurveda works. PCOS is one such case. Ayurveda can be effective in managing PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) to a great extent. Ayurveda is showing amazing results in managing cancers. Still, ayurveda needs more research to establish its usage.
Does It Really Work?
You won’t believe that Ayurveda proves to be effective in managing chronic conditions by balancing body, mind, and spirit. Yes, this traditional method emphasizes the use of natural herbs, proper diets, and lifestyle changes. Ayurveda has been in human history for ages. Even today, people feel the positive outcome from Ayurvedic treatments. Ayurveda is a natural remedy to tackle common issues like stress, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances. Ashwagandha is a great remedy to reduce stress and improve energy.
