Ayurveda provides both curative and preventive measures towards optimal physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The word "Ayurveda" is from the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit, and literally means "Knowledge of Life". Inherent in Ayurvedic principles is the concept that you are capable of taking charge of your own life and healing.
Ayurveda is an ancient, holistic system for diagnosis and treatment, perhaps the oldest system of medicine known to humanity. Fundamental to ayurveda is the use of well-balanced combinations of plants and other agents in synergistic formulas.
More than simply medical care, Ayurveda offers a philosophy whereby one may prevent unnecessary suffering and live a long, healthy life. Known as the mother of all medical systems, Ayurveda has undergone continuous research, development and refinement over past 5,000 years. Originally from
ndental meditation and many special rejuvenation and purification therapies. Preferring to focus on the type of person who has the disease, rather than just understanding the type of disease the person has, Ayurveda is a patient-orientated system of healing.
Ayurveda believes that five great elements make up the universe and the human body: earth, water, fire, air and space. It also believes that humans possess a unique constellation of body types or doshas: vata(wind/spirit/air), pitta (bile), and kapha (phlegm). Each represents a divine force, and Ayurveda seeks to bring them into balance through proper diet, herbal treatment and spiritual practice.
According to Ayurveda, you can achieve health through daily routine. A typical Ayurdedic routine might look like this:
- Rise with the sun.
- After emptying the bladder and bowels, one should meditate for 20-30 minutes and thenexercise.
- Exercise should preferably be done early in the morning before the daily shower or bath.The intensity of the exercise depends on your dosha - your body type. (We will look at what doshas are in more detail below.) The ideal amount of exercise should be 1/2 of your capacity. For example, if you get tired after 30 minutes of jogging, you should stop after 15 minutes. When sweat appears on the armpits and forehead, respiration speeds up and one starts breathing through the mouth, the exercise should be stopped. Yoga is considered the preferred way of exercising because it combines physical and mental exercise.
References: 1. Wikipedia 2. Himalaya Herbal Health Care
