Know How Ayurveda Helps To Bring In Holistic Wellness

Ayurveda uses a variety of natural remedies, including herbs, dietary changes, detoxification techniques and lifestyle recommendations to address the root cause of ailments.

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New Delhi: Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine and science of life that originated in India which considers life to be an understanding of the body-mind-spirit complex and health to be a balance among them. It is part of the 'Atharvaveda' and offers a holistic approach to wellness. Ayurveda uses a variety of natural remedies, including herbs, dietary changes, detoxification techniques and lifestyle recommendations to address the root cause of ailments rather than just treating the symptoms. 

In this regard, S.C Sharma, who is a Co-ordinator Therapist and Naturopath expert said, "As a physician, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of Ayurveda in improving the overall well-being of people. Ayurveda emphasizes a balance between the body, mind and spirit and recognizes that true health is achieved when these elements are in harmony. This holistic approach includes personalized treatment plans that take into account each individual's constitution, lifestyle and environment."

"By restoring balance and harmony to the body, Ayurveda not only alleviates physical ailments, but also promotes mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual growth. It empowers individuals to take charge of their health by making conscious choices that support their overall well-being," he further added.

According to Sharmilee Kapur, Co-Founder & Director of Atmantan Wellness Centre, "An authentic and traditional Ayurveda treatment is one where the body’s personality type or ‘Prakruti’ (Dosha based) along with the health concerns or ‘Vikruti’ are analyzed and diagnosed." 

"Following this diagnosis, a detailed treatment protocol along with a dosha-specific diet is planned. This together takes the body on a balancing journey that starts with the preparatory stage and progresses into the cleansing stage followed by the final stage of rejuvenation. This journey of discovery and the awakening of the natural healing energies within us is the kind of deep holistic wellness one benefits from with Ayurveda," she further added.

Let us know more about the doshas:

Panchamahabhuta and Doshas :
It states that all of nature, including our body, is made up of five elements - Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu) and Space (Aakash) and that each individual has a unique body-mind constitution that comprises of the ‘Doshas’. Doshas are biochemical and physiological forces that combine these five elements and run throughout the body. These are ‘Vata’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’.

‘Vata’ Dosha - A combination of Air (Vayu) and Space (Aakash) elements, it is responsible for any kind of movement within the body. The presence of Vata helps us breathe, speak, move and excrete. An imbalanced ‘Vata’ results in a series of issues often associated with gas, flatulence, migraine, fatigue, jumpiness or pain anywhere in the body.

‘Pitta’ Dosha - A combination of Fire (Agni) and Water (Jal) elements, it is responsible for metabolism, digestion, purification of blood, and transformation within the body.  An imbalanced ‘Pitta’ can lead to a build-up of excess heat in the liver, leading to anger, aggression and frustration. It also causes acidity, liver and gallbladder disorders, inflammation and dryness in the hands.

‘Kapha’ Dosha - A combination of Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi) elements and is responsible for structural development and lubrication within the body and governs the growth of the ‘dhatus’ (bodily tissues) - the blood, fat, muscles, bones, marrow and other fluids. An imbalanced Kapha leads to water retention in the body, sluggishness, drowsiness and a lack of motivation to move.

According to Akshi Khandelwal, who is the founder, CEO  of Butterfly Ayurveda, "These doshas are present in each and every cell of the body and determine the body frame, weight, structure, bone density, digestion, metabolism, likes and dislikes and the disposition etc. of each individual. Usually, two or more doshas are predominant in an individual’s constitution and make for the ‘Prakriti’, i.e. Ayurvedic constitution of the person. Gaining an understanding of one’s “Prakriti" empowers  one to make better decisions with respect to every aspect of life."

"Most health problems and lifestyle-related disorders today are a result of psychosomatic disturbances. Treating psychosomatic disorders have always been a part of Ayurveda and practices such as Yoga (which is the ‘union’ of the body and mind), meditation, ‘Pranayama’ (breathing exercises), marma therapy and herbal treatments prescribed in Ayurveda help remove such disturbances while aligning overall health needs and well being," she further added.

She also spoke about the therapies that have been used for centuries to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. Here are a few listed by her:

• Dinacharya: Maintaining a healthy daily routine that promotes self-care through different daily activities. These bring us in tune with nature, making us more self-aware. Practices such as ‘Yoga’ and meditation have been prescribed to be made a part of one’s ‘dincharya’.
• Ritucharya: Balanced diet, routine and lifestyle are important aspects in Ayurveda. Eating fresh, dosha-appropriate foods aligned with the change of season enables our body and mind to cope with seasonal changes.
• Panchakarma: These include bio-purification methods to help eliminate waste from the body and induce relaxation.
• Rasayana Shastra: These signify rejuvenation therapies to boost immunity and develop healthy bodily tissues using herbal remedies including the use of metals.
• Achar Rasayana: A part of the 'Rasayana' therapy focusing on the code of conduct and behaviour to help with psychosomatic diseases. The term ‘Psychosomatic’ implies the connection of the body with the mind.

Ayurveda And Wellness:

Throughout the ancient ages, wellness has always held a prominent position in India, especially due to our association with Ayurveda, Yoga, and Buddha. Ayurveda, renowned for its numerous benefits, strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, improves gut, cardiovascular, and neurological health, prevents diseases, and restores balance to our bodily pathways.

To embark on a journey towards wellness, one can adopt simple Ayurvedic habits, as suggested by Sharmilee Kapur such as:

• Commencing the day with oil pulling.
• Engaging in cleansing kriyas.
• Allocating time for meditation and Yoga during the day (Ayurveda recommends easy 20-minute workouts daily).
• Incorporating locally sourced and seasonal produce infused with healing spices into the diet.
• Opting for a light dinner instead of a heavy meal before bedtime.
• Establishing a regular sleep schedule to wake up early in the morning (striving for 7-8 hours of sleep between the hours of 10 pm and 4 am).