Gourav Sabharwal
Human beings have evolved in many fields, like science, society, education, technology, and health. But sometimes, traditional techniques or solutions are used to solve modern problems.
Health and health science is a field where we often use traditional methods; Ayurveda is one such method, so we started celebrating National Ayurveda Day on Dhanwantri Jayanti.
Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit language – Ayur (life) and Veda (science/knowledge). It is a natural medicine that originated in India more than 3000 years ago. Ayurveda has a lot of scopes as it focuses on the prevention of illness and gets to the cause of the disease rather than its cure. Ayurveda is all about understanding that being “healthy” is your natural state. If you and your environment are at equilibrium, then it is forms a balanced state, and if the opposite occurs, then it is imbalance in nature. For example, if you feel anxious or are suffering from health issues like constipation or general lethargic behavior, it is simply a matter of being out of balance.
Imbalances are not an overnight occurrence, so you do have time to prevent or slow down the process of imbalance. When you know what is causing you to feel out of balance, you can simply refer to a few exercises and particular food items in order to regain your energy.
HINDU MYTHOLOGY AND AYURVEDA
Hindu mythology is as vast as an ocean. The belief is mainly from the Veda, Upanishad and treatises like Ramayana Bhagavat Geeta etc. Ayurveda is considered as the Medicine of the Gods in the Vedic era. The Development of Ayurveda traces its roots to the Vedic period in ancient India (1500 B.C.). The
Rig Veda, a compilation of verse on the nature of existence, is the oldest surviving book of any Indo-European manuscripts (1500 B.C.) refers to the cosmology known as Sankhya, which lies at the base of both Ayurveda and Yoga. In it are verses on the nature of health and disease, pathogenesis and principles of treatment.
So turning back to the pages of Vedic period, Rig-Veda comes first and in this sacred text it is clearly mentioned about the practices of daiva vyapasraya and yukthi vyapasraya chikitsa .
Daiva vyaprasaya is a treatment protocol based on the religious aspect and yukti is based on the inference which gives an overall implementation to the achievement of a complete health. A clear context of 67 aushadhi dravya (herbal medications) is mentioned, which gives a view about the highlight of Ayurveda in Hindu mythology.
In the Vedic period second comes the yajurveda and it mentions the concept of tridhosha, the 3 pillars of Ayurveda diagnosis and treatment and also the discussion of elimination of various diseases like arsha (piles), hridhroga diseases of heart), kushta (various skin diseases) are being mentioned. The last of Vedic era comes the atharva veda and this spectacular science considers Ayurveda as it’s upaveda or the branch science.
While focusing on the decent of ayurveda it is believed that it was Lord Brahma who taught to Daksha from where Aswini kumara learned. They in turn transferred the knowledge of this vast science to Indra. From Indra the system got the definition and two hands such as the dhanwanthari and Atreya sambrathaya were introduced. Dhanwantari sambrataya deal more with the surgical aspect and atreya sambrataya deal with general medicine.
Focusing on other main treaties of hindu mythology like Bhagavat geetha, Ramayana and Mahabharata etc explains different types of mantra and yajna like Putrakameshti (sacred chants to get a desired progeny) and Mritunjaya ( chants for defeating the death)etc which is exactly equal to daiva vyapashraya in ayurveda. Atreya Samhitha survived from Takshila University which was operating as early as 800 B.C. The Atharva Veda lists the Eight Divisions of Ayurveda like Internal Medicine, Surgery of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, Surgery, Toxicology, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Gerontology or Science of Rejuvenation, and the Science of fertility. Sushruta, A surgeon who developed the operative techniques of plastic screenwriter the sushruta samhitha.
The role of graha and the spiritual stars and its healing aspects have been explained. Also many ayurvedic formulations like lehya have been mentioned like Mritasanjeevani gutika, Chavyanaprasa lehya.
Ayurveda and the modern world
In the modern world, the healing methods of Ayurveda is increasingly becoming popular as it speaks of the elementary concepts connecting with the nature. Ayurveda draws an inherent principle to nature for its foundation to maintain balance. The three main energy process that combine to form the universe like the growth, maintanence and decay are also recognised by Ayurveda. Most people feel isolated from their own body and mind as the world promotes the acquisition of wealth above all else. This creates stress and in turn all diseases.
Roots of Ayurveda are so deep that its ultimate aim is a healthy body, mind and longevity. Efforts have been constantly put to elevate and preserve the great science of life- Ayurveda. We can proudly say Ayurveda as our heritage and pride which will keep flowing on to generations
Ayurveda describes the human body as a combination of three principle energies that make up our mental, physical and spiritual existence. Also known as doshas, these principle energies are classified as Kapha (water-earth), Vata (air-ether) and Pitta (fire and water).
However, every individual is built differently, with a unique constitution governed by a predominant dosha. But that’s not entirely true, as there could be a permutation and combination of any two predominant doshas governing the overall constitution of the human body.
Ayurveda is founded on the belief that our body comprises three principle energies or doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas are the fundamental energies that regulate our bodily functions. According to Ayurveda, a deficiency or excess of Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha can disturb the natural balance and cellular functions, leading to the formation of toxins and causing various health concerns.
Ayurveda views overall wellness as a balance between these principle energies or doshas. Ayurveda believes that the body, mind and consciousness must work in close harmony to maintain proper balance and health. Here’s what each principal energy or dosha represents:
Vata Dosha
Vata mobilises essential fluids and nutrients throughout the mind and body. Out of the 5 physical elements, Vata is composed of space and air.
Vata governs the blood flow and eliminates waste and toxins from the body. Although an involuntary process, your breathing and thoughts are also controlled by Vata. For you to feel energetic and optimistic about your day-to-day routine, the Vata dosha must be at its optimum level.
On the flip side, if Vata becomes vitiated, you may experience health concerns like constipation, fatigue, hypertension, digestive issues and unwarranted restlessness.
Pitta Dosha
Pitta handles digestion and metabolism. It helps convert the ingested food into energy, which is then mobilised throughout the body by Vata. Pitta’s composition includes fire and water; its fundamental function is transformation.
Individuals with a Pitta-dominant constitution are believed to have a fiery tendency that reflects in their nature and actions. They have a glowing complexion and excellent digestion with an enormous appetite.
Vitiated pitta dosha is often characterised by skin rashes, burning sensations in the GI tract, peptic ulcers, heartburn, and acidity.
Kapha Dosha
Kapha ensures proper lubrication and supports the body’s overall structure. Kapha is the glue that holds the cells together and makes up the fat, muscle, sinew reproductive tissues, bones, and marrow.
Kapha Dosha governs weight and growth and ensures proper lubrication in the joints and lungs. Kapha is substantive and stabilising in nature, helping build physical stamina. However, when Kapha is not at its optimum level, it can lead to unwanted weight gain, lethargy, and excessive sleep. Prolonged Kapha imbalance may also cause diabetes, asthma, and depression.
Incorporating Ayurveda in daily life
Although Ayurveda has gained popularity within wellness communities in recent decades, incorporating it into daily life may still seem unachievable or irrelevant for busy individuals.
However, that should not be the case.
Ayurveda is an instruction manual for us, humans, to get in sync with nature and make certain lifestyle changes to enhance our overall health and well-being.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
