What is Ayurvedic medicine?
Ayurveda, in Sanskrit, means "the science of life".
It is an ancestral practice known for more than 5000 years. The medicine Ayurveda, along with Chinese medicine, are the oldest existing medical systems in the world. Ayurveda is currently recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and by the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines (NCCAM) as the first alternative medicine for its therapeutic value.
Optimal health is understood as the harmony between body, mind and spirit. When this harmony is broken, the imbalance gives rise to discomfort and disease. This medical system focuses more on the causes of discomfort than on its consequences and focuses much of its attention on cleansing the body of toxins and thus preparing it for optimal regeneration and recovery of our body.
According to Ayurvedic medicine, "health is more than the absence of disease".
Ayurveda and the Doshas
This science understands that the universe is balanced by 5 elements (earth, fire, air, water and ether) and these combined give rise to 3 "doshas" or energies (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Each individual has a predominant "dosha" in their constitution which determines their nature or "Prakriti" with its strengths and weaknesses and which helps to establish a guideline to achieve balance through dietary and lifestyle changes.
Vata (Air and Ether):
- The Vata dosha governs movement in the body, such as breathing and blood flow. Those with Vata predominance tend to be creative, active and flexible, but may also suffer from anxiety or insomnia when this dosha is out of balance. Ayurveda recommends calming practices, a warm diet and relaxing routines to balance Vata types.
Pitta (Fire and Water):
- Pitta is associated with the energy of transformation and is responsible for digestion and metabolism. Pitta type people are often decisive, analytical and energetic, but in excess can become irascible or impatient. Balance for Pitta is found in a cool diet and activities that help them relax and reduce internal heat.
Kapha (Earth and Water):
- Kapha is the energy of stability and structure of the body, and is related to the immune system and the maintenance of tissues. Kapha people tend to be stable, compassionate and tolerant, but can easily accumulate weight or fall into inertia. For Kapha balance, an active routine and a light diet are recommended.
Our "Prakriti, is the combination of doshas that we have by nature when we are conceived, but this combination is constantly affected by a series of factors such as food, climate, work, lifestyle, emotions... There are many factors that contribute to the imbalance of our "Prakriti", but knowing our nature we can know what is good for us and what is not, in order to avoid such imbalances.
Ayurvedic Practices
Ayurveda is based on several methods to maintain the balance of the Doshas, among them Panchakarma, Rasayana, and the Ayurvedic diet.
Panchakarma: This is one of the best known detoxification therapies in Ayurveda. It is performed under the guidance of an expert and consists of a series of treatments designed to purify the body of accumulated toxins. Panchakarma includes massages with medicated oils, steam baths, and other methods that help eliminate toxins from the system and restore balance.
Rasayana (Rejuvenation): This treatment is essential to revitalize the body and mind. Through practices such as the intake of Ayurvedic herbs and a specific diet, it seeks to strengthen the immune system, increase energy and prevent premature aging. Rasayana is especially beneficial for people who have gone through periods of stress or illness.
The Ayurvedic Diet: Food is one of the pillars of Ayurveda. Food not only nourishes the body, but also affects our mood and energy. In Ayurveda, a diet adapted to each dosha and the changing seasons is recommended, where spices such as ginger, turmeric and coriander play a key role in maintaining digestive and mental health.
Ayurveda in Daily Life
Integrating Ayurveda into daily life does not require drastic changes, but small adjustments that help improve overall well-being. Some tips include:
Daily Routine (Dinacharya): Ayurveda suggests a daily routine that helps balance the mind and body. This includes practices such as waking up early, drinking warm water upon awakening, cleaning the tongue, practicing yoga or gentle stretching, and meditating.
Oil Massage (Abhyanga): Daily oil massage is an Ayurvedic tradition that calms the nervous system and rejuvenates the skin. Depending on your dosha, different oils are recommended: sesame oil for Vata, coconut for Pitta, and mustard for Kapha.
Meditation and Breathing (Pranayama): The practice of : "Pranayama or breathing control helps to reduce stress and improve concentration. Techniques such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate breathing) or Kapalabhati (fire breathing) are powerful tools for balancing the doshas.
Benefits of Ayurveda
Modern studies have shown that Ayurveda has real health benefits. For example, regular practice of Ayurveda and its treatments can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, relieve stress and strengthen the immune system. In addition, Ayurveda is a perfect complement to other natural therapies and medical treatments, as many of its practices are aimed at improving overall quality of life.
Ayurveda is not only a medicine, but a philosophy that invites us to live in a balanced and conscious way. Through understanding our doshas and implementing simple practices in our daily lives, we can improve our health, reduce stress and find a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.
I recommend several books on Ayurveda that may interest you if you want to learn more about the ancient medicine of India:
Practical Ayurveda: Everything you need to know to harmonize your health and life
The Science of Ayurveda. A complete guide to traditional Indian medicine
Ayurveda and Panchakarma: The Science of Rejuvenation and Detoxification
