HEALTH
HEALTH
Care & Cure:
A Holistic Approach
-Abha G. Warrier | 21st March 2021
What is Ayurveda?
The Sanskrit word ‘Ayurveda’ can be loosely translated as the “Science of Health” or the “Science of life”. It’s one of the oldest forms of maintaining health through natural medicines. Ayurveda originated in India and it still survives and thrives in several parts of the world. It’s also considered as one of the Vedas, or ancient Indian texts, and this system of medicine is all about the maintenance of “life”.
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Ayurveda isn’t just all about medicines, but a well-leading, a well-balanced life, in terms of ones’ lifestyle, diet, physical and mental health, and it’s deeply rooted in medicinal plants. It has a holistic approach on life. Ayurveda is also preventive and it also helps us to stay healthy (preservative). It includes certain practices and procedures, most of which can become part of our routine lifestyle.
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Some of Ayurvedic procedures need the help of trained Ayurvedic physicians and well-trained therapists. Most of these procedures and practices are personalised to a certain extent, and it’s decided considering the body constitution of individuals and customized accordingly.
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Under Ayurveda, there are three ‘rasas’ or elements that govern one’s well-being are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha (wind, bile and phlegm, respectively). The imbalance in these three rasas results in health concerns. It’s known as the “Tridosha siddhanta” (tri-imbalance theory), This is the basic theory in Ayurveda. Hence maintaining a perfect balance of the three is essential to a healthy life.
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​What is Vata?
Vata is associated with air and space. This controls the bodily movements, including breathing and blood circulation. Vata predominates in people who are active, creative, and original thinkers. When vata dosha (imbalance) happens, it’s known as “vata dosha”, which is the most powerful dosha, and people with this issue will have joint pain, constipation, dry skin, anxiety and other illnesses.
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​What is Pitta?
Pitta is associated with fire and water, and this controls the body metabolism -- digestive and endocrine systems. Pitta predominates in people who are fiery in temperament, intelligent and fast-paced. When pitta dosha happens, it will lead to conditions like ulcers, inflammation, digestive problems, anger, heartburn and arthritis.
What is Kapha?
Kapha is connected to earth and water, and this controls growth and strength. It’s associated with the chest, torso and back. A well balanced kapha element means, such people are physically and mentally strong, and generally calm in nature. When the imbalance in kapha (kapha dosha) happens, the issues like obesity, diabetes, sinus problems, insecurity and gallbladder problems can happen.
(Source: Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, other texts)
Some plants that are commonly used in Ayurvedic medication:
Malabar Nut
This plant is used in several Ayurvedic medicines, and extracts of its leaves and roots are also administered directly in certain cases. It’s mainly used to treat respiratory issues including cough and asthma; it’s also used for blood purification.
Hibiscus
This plant is used in the treatment of certain Pitta-related ailments like piles. Its leaves are widely used shampoo and also for different hair treatments. Egyptians used hibiscus tea to lower body temperature, treat heart and nerve diseases, and as a diuretic to increase urine production. In Africa, tea was used to treat constipation, cancer, liver disease, and cold symptoms. Pulp made from the leaves was applied to the skin to heal wounds.
Pomegranate
In ayurvedic medicine, pomegranate is used in the treatment of parasitic infection, diarrhea, and ulcers. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic. Its juice is very helpful in immunity building and while recovering after certain illnesses.
Tulsi/Holy Basil
There are different types of Tulsi, or holy basil. Its juice helps reduce Kapha and Vata and increases appetite. Along with adjuvants such as sugar candy or honey, it’s used in the treatment of cough, wheezing etc. Tulsi leaves are also used to make medicated oils.
Ashoka Flower
It is used to relieve abdominal pain and spasms. Its bark juice can also promote healthy skin due to its blood purifying property. It is also useful in controlling internal bleeding. Applying Ashoka bark juice or kwath on the skin helps to get rid of oily and dull skin
Mexican Mint
This herb used for treating common cold, cough and fever. It’s is also a natural remedy for arthritis. Although most effective in children, its extract is used to treat stomach ulcers and indigestion in adults.
Sapota
Promotes gut health, strengthens bones (lack of copper in the diet can increase the risk of osteoporosis); the presence of copper in sapota is pivotal for the health of bones, promotes muscle and tissue strength), bolsters immunity, boosts energy, prevents cancer, controls blood pressure
Aloevera
It is used in the gel form for promoting healthy hair growth and also used to reduce inflammations and acne as well. Used in Heartburn, Ulcer, indigestion
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Restrictions while using Ayurvedic medication
While undergoing Ayurvedic treatment, there are certain restrictions on food consumption that need to be followed. These are mostly subjective to the individual and their concerns or their medication. This is to avoid certain food items interfering with the medicines. For example- patients are not supposed to take very spicy or sour foods, certain types of meat etc. It’s also to naturally balance the nutrients in the body. This is a holistic approach, since it looks at making minor changes in lifestyle in order to lead a healthier life.
If external medications are used, and physical treatment is being done, then activities like heavy exercise are not ideal. Again, all these will depend on the type of ailment and the individual.
Healthy Recipes
Indian recipes are developed with the background of Ayurveda and yoga as well. Even the tribal people who lived in the forests knew what they were eating, and the medicinal value of the food they eat. As per the tradition, it’s a holistic approach towards life… the food, yoga and the herbal medicines.
As per the tradition, there is no root which doesn’t have some medicinal qualities.
Even traditional recipes of south India, like “puli inchi” which is a combination of tamarind paste and ginger has got a lot of medicinal value. Tamarind is rich in iron, while the medicinal qualities of ginger is well known. One of the simplest dishes “rasam” helps in digestion and improve appetite.
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The soupy dish has ingredients like tamarind, tomato, garlic, black pepper, curry leaves and coriander leaves.
Yoga
What is yoga?
The Sanskrit word yoga means join or unite. And this union is the one between the mind and the body. Yoga enables people to attain good health and lead a harmonious life. Believed to have been originated in India over 5000 years ago, Yoga focuses on the overall wellbeing of an individual, with a variety of techniques and asanas that help strengthen one’s core, breathing, flexibility and agility.
If we look closely, the postures in yoga are derived from nature. For example- Vrikshasana- The Tree posture resembles a tree, and it helps improve balance of the body, strengthen the legs and like many other asanas, helps maintain an equilibrium within the mind.
Suryanamaskar, meaning salutation to the sun, consists of 12 yogic postures and it is generally performed in the morning. It helps the body by maintaining a healthy heart, strengthening the muscles and increasing flexibility. Also, by doing this confluence of Yogas in the morning, one feels rejuvenated and relaxed throughout the day.
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(Source: The Art of Living, other texts)
Indian classical dance forms have many poses that look quite similar to yoga postures. According to exponents of these classical art forms, a lot of the poses and mudras have their roots in yoga.
Also, practicing Yoga helps dancers in many ways. Maintaining a steady posture, proper balance, positioning and symmetry, concentration and strength are some of the major requirements of dancers and Yoga helps in this. Some asanas that are useful are—Garudasana, Tulasana, Mayurasana, Natarajasana etc.
Yoga also helps flexibility and agility in dancers.
The common elements of Yoga and Classical dance forms are complete dedication, concentration and rigorous practice to achieve the desired results.
