GOING BEYOND THE BASICS OF AYURVEDA…

What you knew and what you probably didn’t!

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical practice, has been guiding people to follow a holistic living for thousands of years now. Known as one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine (TSMs), this 5000 year old science is accepted worldwide as an incredible healing science (Ayurveda is also recognised by the WHO).

Emphasising the importance of diet, lifestyle, and balancing the body’s energies, Ayurveda for centuries has been teaching us how to prevent illness and nurture well-being by way of natural remedies, and is even today believed to have unlimited healing potential! 

Whether you are new to Ayurveda or looking to dive deeper, there’s always more to discover about this ancient science that remains ever-relevant in today’s world. While many of us may be aware of its foundational concepts like the Doshas (energies that govern various bodily functions), dietary guidelines, herbal remedies, and Ayurvedic therapies, there are numerous fascinating elements within Ayurveda that often go unnoticed…
This blog dives into some of those lesser-known finer aspects, highlighting how this ancient wisdom is elevating modern living globally: 

1. YOU MAY KNOW…

Ayurveda encourages vegetarian and plant-based diets rich in Ojas-building foods. Ojas, the essence of vitality, is responsible for the optimal functioning of our body, mind, and soul. The preference for a vegetarian/plant-based diet may be derived from the fact that this diet is more ‘Sathmya‘ (wholesome and agreeable to nature). It aligns with our Prakruti (body constitution), Vikruti (current health condition), Ritu (season), digestive capacity, Desha (location) etc.

BUT DID YOU ALSO KNOW? 

Ayurveda doesn’t strictly impose vegetarianism and is certainly not anti-non-vegetarian food! What it advocates is the practice of moderation and balance. Yes, you can consume meat, fish, and eggs, but in moderation and as per the qualitative nature of your Dosha. For example, those with a Pitta dosha are recommended to limit their intake of red meat and spicy foods.

So whether you are a follower of vegetarianism or not, Ayurveda principles are all embracing when it comes to healing you.

Also Read: The Philosophy Of The Ayurveda Panchakarma

2. YOU MAY KNOW…

The Tridosha in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta and Kapha—are energetic forces of nature and functional principles that play an important role in maintaining balance and harmony within the body. 

• Vata (Air and Ether) governs movement

• Pitta (Fire and Water) governs digestion

• Kapha (Earth and Water) provides stability

BUT DID YOU ALSO KNOW?  

Each of these three Doshas are further divided into five sub-doshas! Interestingly, each of these 15 elements are known to govern and influence both our emotional and mental faculties, as well as the functions and operations of specific organs…

1. Kapha Sub-doshas

• Tarpaka Kapha: Lubricates and nourishes brain tissues
• Bodhaka Kapha: Responsible for the precise identification of tastes
• Avalambaka Kapha: Supports your physical and emotional aspects
• Kledaka Kapha: Represents the alkaline aspect of digestion 
• Sleshaka Kapha: Lubricates and maintains flexibility

      b)  Pitta Sub-doshas

• Sadhaka Pitta: Linked to emotions, intelligence, and stress 
• Ranjaka Pitta: Responsible for the formation of plasma and blood cells, ensuring their circulation through the liver, spleen, stomach, and heart
• Pachaka Pitta: Governs digestion and metabolism
• Alochaka Pitta: Influences the vision
• Brajaka Pitta: Provides protection, aids in circulation, controls temperature, and responds to all external stimuli

     c) Vata Sub-doshas

• Vyana Vata: Regulates heart functioning and circulation
• Prana Vata: Looks after sensory perception, breathing, heartbeat, food consumption, coughing, and spitting
• Udana Vata: Energises the mind and awakens energy 
• Samana Vata: Governs digestion and the movement of food 
• Apana Vata: Responsible for the pelvic cavity region, the reproductive organs, uterus, urinary tract, and bladder

While our predominant Doshas do not change, they may of and off go out of balance or manifest differently during the phase of our life. Treating them and balancing them (as an illness manifests) begins within-dept study of our Doshas at specific times in our life.

Also Read: How integral is Ayurveda to modern life today and how we can we embrace it in our daily lives?

3. YOU MAY KNOW…

Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatments detoxify the human body and draw out the accumulated toxins within. Derived from the Sanskrit words, ‘Pancha’, which means ‘five’, and ‘Karma’, which means ‘actions’, this method restores our natural healing capacity, significantly improves our quality of life, anti-aging us in the bargain. Extremely popular amongst both national and international celebrities, right from the Kardashians to Katy Perry, Ayurveda is supreme when it comes to cleansing one from the inside out. 

The must-do five treatments in the Panchakarma are Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), Asthapana Basti (therapeutic decoction enema), Anuvasana Basti (oil enema) and Nasya (nasal administration).

BUT DID YOU ALSO KNOW? 

While Panchakarma can be performed year-round, traditionally Ayurveda Scriptures advise specific Panchakarma procedures in specific seasons to ensure optimal health benefits… This aligns with the understanding that certain Doshas are naturally provoked in certain seasons. 

For example, the Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis/vomitting) is usually recommended in the spring, as this season is considered ideal for removing excess Kapha (that built up during the preceeding winter). The Virechana (purgation) is commonly advised in the autumn when the Pitta dosha is considered to be more dominant. And during the monsoon, a Basti is usually recommended to restore balance to the Vata dosha, which tends to accumulate and becomes aggravated as this season descends upon us.

Anytime is a good time to take on the healing of Ayurveda. As and when a condition needs adressal, your Ayurvedic Doctor will guide you towards a programme that optimally treats you. Atmantan Wellness Centre has Doctors who are experts in the science of Ayurveda.

Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Panchakarma Treatment

4. YOU MAY KNOW…

Ayurveda is one of the oldest and most comprehensive medical systems in the world. This has been in practice for over 5000 years and has its roots in the principles of the Vedic tradition… In fact, it is considered to be an Upveda (applied knowledge) of Atharva Veda, (ancient Hindu scripture and is one of the four Vedas).

BUT DID YOU ALSO KNOW?

Ancient Ayurveda wisdom is more relevant today than ever before! Many modern wellness trends are now discovering what Ayurveda has long practised…

• Fasting: While fasting continues to remain a trending health topic, its concepts closely align with that of Langhana – a type of fasting in Ayurveda which ignites the digestive fire (Agni) and eliminates toxins (Ama) from the body. 
  
  
  
  
• Dinacharya (daily routine): Dinacharya Ayurveda for centuries has promoted a certain daily routine for a healthy body and mind. These include practices of waking up before sunrise, oil pulling, cleansing, self-massage, Yoga and meditation which are now commonly recommended wellness routines! Sounds familiar right? Well, this was something that was always known and recommended by Ayruveda.
  
  
  
  
• Ritucharya (Seasonal Living): Adjusting the lifestyle and diet according to the seasons, a core Ayurvedic practice, is also reflected in modern wellness advice for seasonal health adjustments. As per Ayurveda, prevention medicinal approach is key to lasting health and hence timely lifestyle modifications helps balance our doshas and discourage the manifestation of a disease. 
  
  

This proves that Ayurveda for centuries has been preaching what we now know for a fact. There should be no stopping us now. No time like now to incorporate these gems into our daily lives!

We hope we have further piqued your interest in the astounding ancient science. In conclusion, let us leave you with this Ayurvedic principle, for a healthier lifestyle:

Ayurvedic lifestyle teaches us to live in harmony with ourselves, others, and the environment to achieve true well-being