The Incredible World of Ayurvedic Healing

Ayurveda, translated from Sanskrit means “Science of life”. It’s an age-old science dating back 3000 years which focuses on treating the root of a disease v/s the symptoms. One thing that remains in focus thousands of years later is how Ayurveda is being touted as one of the most effective approaches even today.
Ayurveda is based on a few permanent fundamentals that do not change with the evolution of medical science. The credit for the origin of Ayurveda goes to the Atharva Veda. In this, you will find the mention of several treatments and diseases. During the Samhita period (between 6th and 7th centuries), there was a development of Ayurveda. During this time, several experts presented classical works that remains as the base of the process of Ayurveda till date.

How does Ayurveda help you in your day to day life?
Disease means your body is at Dis-ease. Here we have a list of a few ways in which Ayurveda will help you to remain fit and healthy in your day to day life.

1. Encourages self-love
Ayurveda makes you realize that you are unique and that you must take care of yourself in the best possible way. There are three doshas, or personality characteristics that form the basis of Ayurveda treatments:

Vata:

• Quick learner, creative, but forgets easily
• Dry hair and skin issues due to less perspiration
• Uncomfortable in cold climate
• Enthusiastic and joyful
• Excitable and lively
• Anxious and take too much stress

Pitta:

• Well built with a medium physique
• Sharp mind with good concentration
• Competitive
• Good digestion and appetite
• Fair complexion
• Skin inflammations

Kapha:

• Strong and sturdy
• Possessive nature
• Deliberate thoughts
• Soft skin and hair
• Good immunity system
• Chronic respiratory issues

Understanding your dosha’s gives you an insight as to what to eat, how to exercise and what to abstain from to keep your dosha’s in balance. Of course it is possible, and likely that you could be a combination of types as well.

2. Positive energy
Ayurveda, be it through food, supplements, herbal infusions, therapies, practices, massages etc infuse a lot of positive energy within you. It will teach you that you are deeper than just bones and muscles. You will realize that purity of the spirit and soul is as important as a detoxified body.

3. Reduced toxins
Detoxification is an important process in wellness, and Ayurveda is a fabulous path to doing so. Read up on foods that support balancing your dosha, and experiment with the sattvik food practices that aid immunity and digestion issues.

Therapies and procedures:
The following are a few procedures that form a vital part of Ayurvedic therapies

1. Abhyangam therapy-

It is a process of mild massage using essential oils. You may attend 3-7 sittings of this massage that helps in detoxification of the body. It helps to eradicate blockages in energy channels. The next procedures include the Shiro Abhyangam and Pada Abhyangam therapies.

2. Sarvang Bashpasvedam
In this process healing decoctions are placed in a steam generator in which you have to place your body. The herbal steam will de-clog the pores of your skin, which in turn will release toxins. It helps in improving blood circulation.

3.Chama Kkizhi

In this therapy, your skin is made to sweat with the help of cotton bags that are filled with herbal powder. The Chama Kkizhi procedure helps is the stimulation of the nervous system.

4. Shirodhara
“Shiro” means Head and “dhara” means flow. This classical well-loved procedure involves slowly and steadily dripping medicated oil on the forehead. The benefits include pyscho-somatic balance, balancing of vata dosha, deep relaxation, reduces anxiety, awakens intuition and improves the quality of your sleep.

Ayurvedic herbs and ingredients:
Ayurveda is known to have the oldest collection of healing herbs that can treat almost all diseases. For more information, you can check out some of the herbs and supplements that helps you to stay healthy, the Ayurveda way.

Amongst many powerful combinations of natural herbs used in Ayurveda either in a panchkarma diet, their poultices used during therapy or inhalations etc, some herbs and spices are easily accessible in your kitchen and can be used effectively to counter imbalances and ailments and nurture good health.

1.  Ajwain for weight loss
2. Ashwagandha for vitality
3. Brahmi as a brain tonic
4. Cardamom is a fantastic tranquilizer
5. Manjishtha purifies the blood
6. Neem for ultimate detoxification
7. Amla for better immunity
8. Turmeric as a skin care element.
9. Tulsi for respiratory issues

Always make sure your herbs, spices and supplements are from organic sources, as pesticide and GMO foods cause more damage than good. Go ahead …. Make the path to wellness with Ayurveda on your to-do-list this year!.

Apeksha Fozdar