What is Ayurveda? There are thousands of definitions to this ancient science and even if you are confused and thinking ‘Why am I focusing on this historical healing methodology, when the world is going digital and moving at a rapid pace while leaving its impact in every passing micro second?’ There are plenty of historical books, modern writings, journals, publishing; research studies and millions of websites that compete with each other in explaining Ayurveda and its impact on mankind. Most of the books and websites forget about one essential factor that ‘Not all of us knew Sanskrit’. Yes! The ancient Ayurvedic texts have originally been written in Sanskrit and have its roots deeply vested with the Indian mythology. Let’s explore what Ayurveda is actually about and why this age-old healing practice has gained so much of importance in the west in recent times?
The ancient wisdom of healing:
Ayurveda is the primordial system of treating human illness and aims at absolute human wellness. Think, if something is not working as it is said or is just an eye wash, can it survive even for a year? Decisively a big NO! Right???? Then think of Ayurveda in these terms. This spiritual science of healing has been in existence for a huge number of 5000 successful years. Yes! This is the power that makes me blindly trust that Ayurveda is the real knowledge of life meant to live a hale, hearty and a meaningful life in the pink. It is considered as an integral part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Why is it called as a holistic treatment?
When someone says holistic, they mean everything. Since Ayurveda has realistic remedies for all kinds of human illnesses, it is rightly known as the holistic remedy and the mother of all healing sciences. It respects human beings as individuals and not just as a mere assembly of organs with a soul in it. Ayurveda understands the individual constitution by means of the unique combination of the five essential elements of life, namely earth, water, air, space and fire. This helps in knowing what is good for our individual body type ranging from your food to your daily exercises.
With this thorough understanding, Ayurvedic treatment has a strong reason to justify that a particular disease has resulted due to your discord with nature. Ayurveda never stops with just treating your physical illness but looks beyond it and treats you psychologically, emotionally and spiritually to breathe the air of liberal health. Dr. Vasant Lad, the celebrated Ayurvedic Physician rightly said in his ‘Textbook of Ayurveda’ that ‘Ayurveda treats the whole person, not just the organ or system involved’.
What does Ayurveda actually do to you?
You will be astounded to know that Ayurveda acts as a relationship bridge between Mother Nature and its children, none other than human beings. Many a times when adverse health effects hit us, this realistic science helps us realize that we or our habits have moved away from the natural rhythm. With its natural medications like herbs, Ayurvedic essential oils, surgical treatments and other comprehensive branches of Ayurvedic treatment along with Ayurvedic massage therapy, meditation, good eating habits, yoga, doable physical exercises and an energizing Ayurvedic routine, Ayurveda supports you in reconnecting with nature, which means it guides you to a healthy state of living.
Not just an aid for treatment but a ubiquitous lead for betterment:
Ayurveda can be called as an all-in-one or a one-best-solution for all your health concerns throughout the journey of your life from your first stay in your mother’s womb till the end of your life. It is not like your contemporary treatment that gives you an injection and prescribes antibiotics to treat your fever and wait till these medications fight against the harmful organisms or recall you for a second visit to treat the illness. Whereas an Ayurvedic therapy doesn’t stop with treating your sickness but helps you lead a better life with a healthy lifestyle.
Ayurveda is indeed a positive energy and practicing this in our daily lives aid us in leading a harmonious life with our near and dear ones. It has the power to revitalize your life by inculcating spiritual, humane and peaceful values that can change your way of living completely and mold your personality to a greater extent. This is the authentic reason behind its growing importance in the West, where life is often mechanical.
Thought for the day:
Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open. -B.K.S. Iyengar
Suggested Reading:
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume One: Fundamental Principles by Vasant Lad
- Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice by Sebastian Pole
- Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Indian Medicine for the West by Frank John, M.D. Ninivaggi
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