What are the basics of Ayurveda?
Have you already heard of Ayurveda, but find yourself confused? Is it a diet or a detox? What are the basics of Ayurveda? Ayurveda is a life science – an ancient system of medicine that has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years. Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘ayur,’ meaning life, and ‘Veda,’ meaning knowledge or science. It translates to ‘the science of life.’ It provides a holistic approach to health, emphasizing prevention and maintenance of health through balance in one’s life, right thinking, diet, lifestyle, and the use of herbs. correct thinking, diet, lifestyle, and the use of herbs.
Ayurveda is not just concerned with targeting the symptoms of diseases but also with understanding the root causes and working to restore balance within the body and mind.
The Ayurvedic Approach
Picture a healthcare system that recognizes you as a unique individual, delicately balanced physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is the basics of Ayurveda. At its core, Ayurveda is founded on universal interconnectedness, viewing wellness as a harmonious relationship between individuals and the universe.
Essential to Ayurvedic understanding is the body’s constitution, known as ‘Prakriti,’ which reflects an individual’s distinctive blend of physical and psychological traits. By understanding your Prakriti, Ayurveda offers a tailored approach to health, suggesting personalized lifestyle and dietary guidelines to maintain optimal balance.
The Beginnings of the Basics of Ayurveda
Ayurveda’s history is as rich and complex as the philosophy itself. Its roots are deeply entwined with ancient India’s cultural and spiritual fabric. The earliest references to Ayurvedic principles can be found in the Vedas – some of the oldest known scriptures in the world. Specifically, the Rig Veda and Atharva Veda, dating back to 6,000 BC, contain hymns, incantations, and discussions on the nature of health, disease, and medicinal plants. From these sacred texts, Ayurveda emerged as a codified system of healing.
Ayurveda is similar to herbal medicine in that some of the practices involve herbal remedies. The herbal approach focuses on plants and all their constituents. Ayurvedic also incorporates plant remedies, like the ones listed below, while balancing body, mind, and spirit.
The Basics of Ayurveda Rooted in Scholarly Tradition
Ayurveda has been nurtured and refined throughout the centuries by a succession of sages and physicians. The teachings were orally transmitted for centuries before being documented in texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam. These texts systematically cover aspects of Ayurvedic medicine, from internal medicine to surgery, from pediatrics to rejuvenation therapies. They represent the collective wisdom of ancient healers and remain central to the study of Ayurveda today.
The Basics of Ayurveda Goes Global
As traders and scholars began to travel between India and other parts of Asia, the Middle East, and eventually Europe, they carried with them the knowledge of Ayurveda. Over time, Ayurvedic concepts influenced Greek and Roman medicine and later the development of European medicine. A renewed interest in natural and holistic healing has led to a global resurgence of Ayurveda. It is now recognized as one of the world’s oldest and most comprehensive systems of natural health care.
The Principles: Foundations of the Basics of Ayurveda
The Five Elements
According to Ayurveda, everything in the universe comprises five basic elements: ether (the space between matter), air, fire, water, and earth. These elements combine to form those three doshas:
- Vata (space and air),
- Pitta (fire and water)
- Kapha (water and earth).
Your unique constitution expresses the proportion of these five elements within your body. Ayurveda teaches that health is a state of balance among these elements and that imbalance leads to illness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also has five elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Wood, and Metal. Both Ayurveda and TCM support the energetic body, and look at the person as a whole being (1).
The Concept of Digestive Fire
In Ayurveda, digestion is considered central to health. The concept of ‘Agni,’ or digestive fire, is critical to understanding Ayurveda’s approach to health. A strong Agni allows for the efficient digestion of food and the proper assimilation of nutrients, while a weak Agni leads to the accumulation of toxins, known as ‘Ama.’ These toxins can build up in tissues and channels, ultimately causing disease. Maintaining a strong Agni through proper diet and lifestyle is, therefore, a cornerstone of Ayurvedic health practices.
Digestive fire imbalances are shown on our Full Scan in the Digestive Stress Dial or with imbalances in the nutritional section. These imbalances might include:
- Glutamine
- Zinc
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Large Intestine
- Small Intestine
- Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide
The Mind-Body Connection
Another fundamental principle of the basics of Ayurveda is the mind-body connection. Ayurveda views the mind and body as inseparable and believes both must be addressed in the quest for optimal health.
Here at CBH Energetics, we do too. Our Awareness Scan tests for your top 4 emotional blocks that may prevent you from reaching your goals, feeling more grounded, and having connected relationships.
This holistic bioenergetic testing approach extends beyond physical health to encompass emotional and spiritual well-being. Practices such as yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breath control) are often suggested alongside dietary and lifestyle changes to promote a balanced state of mind, supporting physical health.
3 Benefits of Ayurveda
- Preventive Health and Wellness: One of the most compelling benefits of Ayurveda is its focus on prevention. By understanding your unique constitution and how to maintain balance within it, you can take proactive steps to prevent illness before it begins. The basics of Ayurveda and its practices, like regular cleansing, a balanced diet, and mindfulness, can help to strengthen your body’s natural defenses and improve overall vitality.
- Individualized Focus: In the realm of Ayurveda, support is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Ayurvedic practitioners consider your constitution, the specific nature of your health issue, and the context of your lifestyle when developing a treatment plan. Very similar to Bioenergetic Testing! This personalized approach ensures that the chosen modalities address your unique needs, leading to more effective and sustainable health outcomes.
- Holistic Healing: Ayurveda’s holistic nature means that treatments are designed to help the whole person. By considering the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health, Ayurveda seeks to restore harmony and balance to the entire system.This can lead to improvement in areas of your life beyond the initial health concern, contributing to enhanced well-being and quality of life.
Ayurveda and the Gut-Brain Axis
Recent scientific investigations have shed light on the gut-brain axis, a communication network linking the gastrointestinal system and brain. This research parallels Ayurveda’s emphasis on digestive health and its impact on overall well-being. It provides a framework for understanding how dietary and herbal treatments can influence physical and mental health by modulating the gut microbiome and its interactions with the central nervous system.
Ayurveda’s Use of Herbal Medicine
Ayurveda’s use of herbal medicine is another area where modern science is catching up with ancient wisdom. Many herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine contain active compounds that have been shown to have therapeutic effects.
For example, turmeric, with its active component curcumin, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This research validates the use of these herbs and provides a clearer understanding of how they contribute to healing and disease prevention.
CBH Energetics carries various Ayurvedic Herbs, including:
Vidanga Supreme: Vidanga Supreme is the powdered berry of the plant Embelia ribes. These berries have a long history of use, going back over 2,000 years in both Unani and Ayurvedic medicine. It is also known as false black pepper and is native to Asia and India.
Shatavari Supreme: Shatavari Supreme (Asparagus racemosus) is widely used in India and Ayurvedic medicine and is known as the Queen of Herbs. Studies and reports have shown it to help with dysmenorrhea and post-menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, osteoporosis, night sweats). Other studies have shown it to help with gastric ulcers, coughs, infections, low libido, and many other symptoms.
Mimosa Supreme: Mimosa Supreme (Mimosa pudica) has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies have shown it to have potential usage as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antihepatotoxic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-convulsant.
You can also find mimosa pudica seed in Cellcore Biosciences Para 1.
Bacopa Supreme: Bacopa Monniera is a small plant that grows in moist, damp areas throughout Asia and has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine at least as far back as the 6th century. The most common uses include increasing cognitive ability and memory, nerve tonic, cardiotonic, and diuretic in asthma, bronchitis, mental imbalances, depression, anxiety, and epilepsy. Research shows it can possibly help with ADHD symptoms.
Bio-A Curcumin PhytoNanosome: This supports levels of inflammation, downregulates COX-2 enzymes, inhibits TNFs (pro-inflammatory cytokines), is a powerful anti-oxidant, supports cardiac, blood sugar issues, skin issues, mood issues, thyroid issues, joint issues, memory issues, wound healing, liver, kidney, lung, pancreas, sensitivities, respiratory issues, and the prostate.
Digesticom: A herbal fortifier for the digestive system that aids in allowing one to get the maximum nutrient value out of their diet. This blend contains organic angelica, boldo, catnip, fennel, ginger, myrrh, papaya, peppermint, sage, and triphala.
The Basics of Ayurveda in Lifestyle
Dietary Modifications
Ayurveda places a significant emphasis on diet as a means to maintain health and target disease. The Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual dosha balance and aims to support Agni, prevent the accumulation of Ama, and promote vitality.
This might mean eating warm, cooked foods to balance Vata or favoring cooling, less spicy foods to pacify Pitta. Understanding the qualities of different foods and their effects on the doshas is a key aspect of Ayurvedic nutrition.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a set of five therapeutic treatments designed to cleanse the body of toxins. These procedures, which include therapies like oil massages, steam baths, and herbal enemas, are typically conducted under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
You can incorporate holistic practices like castor oil packs, detox baths, and even coffee enemas as part of a blended approach to wellness.
How to Incorporate the Basics of Ayurveda Into Daily Life
Daily Routines (Dinacharya)
Ayurveda suggests that following a daily routine, or ‘Dinacharya,’ is helpful for maintaining balance and health. This includes waking up early, practicing yoga or meditation, eating meals at regular times, and going to bed early. How supportive of our circadian rhythms!
These routines help to align your body with the natural rhythms of the day and ensure that your doshas remain in balance.
Seasonal Routines (Ritucharya)
Just as daily routines are important, Ayurveda also recommends adjusting your lifestyle and diet with the changing seasons. This practice, called ‘Ritucharya,’ helps to prevent seasonal imbalances that can lead to illness. For example, you might eat lighter, cooler foods in the summer to balance the increased Pitta and favor warm, nourishing foods in the winter to counteract the cold, dry qualities of Vata.
Mind-Body Practices
Integrating mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, and pranayama into your daily routine can greatly enhance your experience of Ayurveda. These practices support the mind-body connection that is central to Ayurvedic philosophy and can help reduce stress, improve digestion, and promote overall balance and health.
Integrative medicine is an emerging field that blends the best of traditional healing systems like Ayurveda with modern medical practices. This approach recognizes the value of Ayurvedic principles, such as the importance of lifestyle and diet, and incorporates them into a holistic treatment plan. The result is a person-centered form of health care that honors the wisdom of various medical traditions.
As we’ve investigated the basics of Ayurveda in this article, you’ve learned that balance is the essence of health, where individuality is key to treatment, and where the mind and body are seen as one.
This is a philosophy we fully uphold at CBH Energetics.
Ayurveda offers a rich, holistic approach to well-being that has withstood the test of time, and its principles are more relevant today than ever. Whether seeking to prevent disease, manage a chronic condition, or simply live a healthier, more balanced life, Ayurveda provides a framework that can guide you on your path.
Remember, this ancient wisdom is not just for those with health concerns; it’s a way of life that celebrates the uniqueness of each individual and the natural rhythms of the world around us. Embrace these principles, and you may find yourself not just healthier but more connected, more aware, and more in tune with the essence of life itself.
Bioenergetic testing can help you live life the Ayurvedic way. Get started today with your Full Scan Test!
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