What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient knowledge cultivated by the sages of India. It has been developed from various treatises and manuscripts and has made its way to becoming one of the ancient most but modern health care techniques. ‘Ayur’ means life and ‘Veda’ means science. Thus, the term ‘Ayurveda’ means ‘science of life’. The theories and notions of Ayurveda have been practiced since the past 5000 years. It recommends methods for appropriate living and longevity. It includes instructions to maintain good health as well as dealing with illness through yoga, treatments, herbal medicines, correct diet and lifestyle changes.
Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India, which uses a range of treatments, including panchakarma (‘5 actions’), yoga, massage, acupuncture and herbal medicine, to encourage health and wellbeing.
It gives a body of wisdom designed to help people stay healthy while realizing their full human potential guidelines on their ideal daily and seasonal routines, diet, behavior and the proper use of our senses, Ayurveda reminds us that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.
Historical Background
Indra, in turn, taught Ayurveda to a group of assembled sages, who then passed down different aspects of this knowledge to their students. According to history, Ayurveda was first described in text form by Agnivesha, Book named “Agnivesh tantra” later on this book redacted by Charaka, and became known as the Charaka Samhita. Second early text of Ayurveda is the “Sushruta Samhita” which was compiled by Sushrut, the primary pupil of lord Dhanvantri, sometime around 1000 BC. “Maharishi Sushruta” is known as the Father of Shalya Tantra (Surgery).
Objective of Ayurveda
SWASTHASYA SYASTHYA RAKSHANAM, AATURASHCHA VIKAR PRASHAMANAM”
“Preservation to the health of the healthy person and treating ailments with different methods of ayurvedic treatment mentioned in Ayurveda”.
Pancha Mahabhuta (Five Elements)
Theory of Pancha Mahabhuta or “five great elements” of Ayurveda are:
1) Prithvi (Earth)
2) Jala (Water)
3) Tejas (Fire) 4) Pavan (Air)
5) Akasha (Ether)
Hence, Ayurveda advocates Yat Pinde, Tat Bramhande.
Tridosha Theory (Tri energy)
The central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is a balance between three fundamental bodily senses of humor or tridoshas called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Every person contains all three doshas. However, the proportion varies according to the person, and usually, one or two Doshas are predominant. Within each person, the Doshas are regularly interacting with each other and with the Doshas in all of nature.
Vata:
Vata is the air principle necessary to mobilize the function of the nervous system, brain functions, sensory organs
Pitta:
Pitta is the fire principle that uses bile to direct digestion & hence metabolism into the venous system.
Kapha:
Kapha is the water principle that relates to mucous and lubrication and the carrier of nutrients into the arterial system.
Importance of Ayurveda in Today’s time
Helps fight against Covid 19
Many medicines failed to improve the condition across the globe during the pandemic of Covid 19. Ultimately what was the need of the hour was strong immunity power that could resist the disease and bring about positive changes in the health conditions to survive the virus. The effects of Ayurveda are distinctive and purely unique which lays a great impact on the severe health conditions that people faced during this time. People with higher immunity faced better chances of survival than those with weaker immunity. Various practices of Ayurveda such as Pranayam (breathing exercises), Yoga sessions, Rasayana herbs of Ayurveda, and maintaining daily routines which also included personal hygiene indeed helped greatly in boosting the overall wellness of individuals.
Helps fight against Obesity
If you have a great love for your body then you will surely realize the mall effects of consuming junk foods just to appease your unhealthy cravings. By practicing yoga and asanas you will start resisting the healthy cravings that could not be controlled otherwise and will give you enough strength to simply say a NO to unhealthy eating habits. You start following the various principles of Ayurveda and start understanding the Prakruti or nature of your body for living a longer, happier, and healthier life.
Helps fight Depression
Due to the pandemic, the movement of many people got restricted. They even got burdened with many diseases that were not in their control. Depression and anxiety seemed very common amongst people, especially during this time. Practicing Ayurveda promotes and benefits you to develop love for yourself and even encourages you to nurture an approach that is not very demanding but will greatly health you to move a step ahead in the way of being happy and healthy.