What Is Ayurveda And Its Benefits.
Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional Indian medicine. This term means "science of life" in Sanskrit and it is derived from the Vedas, the sacred texts that are the origin of Hinduism. The foundation of Ayurveda is to work on the balance between the body and the mind. This delicate balance is often neglected in our current lifestyles. Ayurvedic medicine is a holistic tradition that takes into account the individual as a whole in order to better treat them. The World Health Organization has even recognized Ayurveda as a complete system of traditional medicine.
The benefits of Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic medicine seeks to restore balance to individuals suffering from symptoms that are simply an expression of the imbalance between the body and mind. This tradition involves applying a certain daily lifestyle hygiene as well as using suitable natural plants and remedies.
What is the goal of Ayurvedic medicine?
Its aim is to rebalance the energies, the doshas of the individual through different tools such as massage, aromatherapy, dietetics, etc. It is about preventing diseases, doing preventive work and maintaining good health in the long term.
What is an Ayurvedic massage?
Ayurvedic massage is a traditional massage technique practiced by Indians for millennia. In India, children are encouraged from a young age to massage their elders. This type of massage helps release muscular and nervous tensions that block the free circulation of energy in the body. It also helps eliminate stored toxins by circulating them to the digestive system.
Ayurveda in everyday life
The main difference with traditional medicine is that Ayurvedic medicine seeks to treat the patient and not just their symptoms. That's why it is also referred to as a philosophy of life, as these principles must be applied daily for better results. There are several elements to consider and implement for better care: dietetics, naturopathy, aromatherapy, massages, sound therapy, as well as precious stones. The Ayurvedic practitioner will conduct a complete assessment and establish an Ayurvedic diagnosis, then propose a comprehensive program to rebalance the patient using all these different tools.
What is the link between Yoga and Ayurveda?
When practicing Yoga, one often hears about Ayurveda, and vice versa, as these two practices are intertwined. Indeed, Yoga, originating from the Indian tradition, allows for the union of the mind and body, which is exactly the goal of Ayurvedic medicine; to recreate a balance, a harmony between the body and the mind.
How to determine your dosha?
The "dosha" in Ayurvedic medicine is one's profile. There are three main types of profiles: Pitta, Vata, and Kapha. Each is said to be composed at birth of the five elements (water, air, space, earth, and fire) in different proportions, resulting in a specific dosha. Our dosha changes with age, so a person between 25 and 35 years old is more likely to have a Pitta profile, while someone in the later stages of life tends to have a Kapha profile. Our profiles also evolve with the seasons, as summer is a Pitta period and autumn is a Vata period. There are free online tests available to determine one's dosha profile at a given time, but it is recommended to consult a professional who can better study the patient and understand their profile and dosha.
What to eat in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, it is generally recommended, regardless of the dosha type, to eat moderately. One should always leave the table with a slight hunger. According to Ayurvedic principles, the stomach should be filled with 1/3 solids, 1/3 liquids, and the rest should remain empty to promote digestion and digestive fire. Ayurvedic medicine recommends always eating fruits outside of meals to prevent fermentation and starting the day with a porridge containing turmeric, cinnamon, and plant-based milk. Ayurvedic medicine also recommends the regular use of spices (adapted to the experienced disorders) and the most natural and least processed foods possible.
