Holistic approaches that promote health and prevent the development of diseases are becoming increasingly popular. This also includes Ayurveda. But what exactly is that?
This is Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian healthcare system that takes a holistic approach to health and well-being. The word "Ayurveda" comes from Sanskrit and is composed of the terms "Ayus" (life) and "Veda" (knowledge), which literally means "knowledge of life".
Ayurveda has existed for over 5,000 years and is one of the oldest known medical systems in the world.
The basis of Ayurveda lies in the idea that the body, mind and soul are closely connected and together determine a person's health. Ayurveda views each person as unique and emphasizes the importance of individual balance.
The doshas
Ayurveda believes that each person has a unique makeup, represented by the three fundamental energies or doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas are made up of a different combination of the five elements: water, earth, air, fire and space.
Vata
-
Composition: air and space
-
Properties: cold, light, dry, rough, mobile, clear
-
Stands for: movements in the body and creativity
Kapha
-
Composition: earth and water and stands for stability and
-
Characteristics: old, heavy, moist, slimy, immobile, soft
-
Stands for: stability and physical building processes
Pitta
-
Composition: fire and water
-
Properties: hot, light, liquid, sour, spicy
-
Stands for: heat, metabolism and energy
A healthy state is achieved when the doshas in the body are balanced, while imbalances can lead to health problems.
Ayurveda - a lifestyle
Ayurveda places great emphasis on proper nutrition as it is considered the foundation for health and well-being. Once you have identified your dosha (there are numerous self-tests for this on the internet), you should adjust your diet accordingly to balance the dosha. You should make sure that the food is fresh and natural.
For example, people with Pitta Dosha should eat cooling and easily digestible foods to balance their inner fire. Spicy and fatty foods should therefore be avoided and refreshing herbs such as mint and coriander should be increasingly integrated into the diet.
In addition, certain practices are recommended, such as regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and following a daily routine to promote balance. Herbal medicine also plays an important role in Ayurveda, as certain herbs and spices are used to support health.
Yoga and meditation are considered effective practices for calming the mind, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being.
Integrate Ayurveda into everyday life
The integration of Ayurvedic principles into everyday life can be achieved through even small changes. Below we have 5 tips for you on how you can easily achieve this.
- Drink warm water in the morning
Drinking warm water stimulates digestion and also cleanses the body of toxins.
-
Start the day with yoga
Relaxed yoga exercises in the morning gently wake up the mind and help reduce stress and sharpen focus for the day.
-
Morning oral hygiene
Oral hygiene is also very important in Ayurveda. That's why you not only use a toothbrush, but also a tongue scraper to remove the tongue coating. Oil pulling is also used, i.e. rinsing the mouth with vegetable oils for a period of between 15 and 20 minutes. This flushes bacteria, toxins and other contaminants out of the mouth.
-
Regular eating habits
Regular meal times help improve digestion and prevent food cravings.
- End the day relaxing
It is best to have an easily digestible dinner before 7.30 p.m., after which it is advisable to end the day relaxing. Be it meditation, a good book or a walk - the main thing is that it is something that doesn't cost too much energy and is good for you at the same time.
