Ayurveda for health – Ayurvedic way of living to maintain good health and immunity
Ayurveda can be divided into two words-“Ayu” and “veda”. “Ayu” means lifespan and “veda” means science or knowledge. So, Ayurveda deals with lifespan of human being.
The main aim of Ayurveda is maintenance of health.
> One is to maintain and protect the health of the person throughout his life.
> Second aim is to cure the diseases that affect the persons.
In order to keep one healthy, there are some effective health tips mentioned in Ayurveda. It includes Dinacharya (Daily routine), Ritucharya (seasonal routine), Ratri charya
(Night routine), etc.
In recent days, it is these regimens that people fail to follow. It is as follows:
Dinacharya deals with all the activities that are advisable to the followed in the whole day from waking up till going back to bed. It includes, waking up in the “Brahma muhurta”.
It is approximately 96 minutes before sunrise.The regular activities of brushing, bathing, attending to natural urges to be performed in the right way. It is followed by “vyayama”
which means exercises that includes yoga also. The rules and regulations are explained in a detailed way. Then Abhyanga (oil application) is advised to be done every day. It reduces premature aging, reduces tiredness, keeps one young.
Then, when it comes to eating, it is mentioned that overeating is not advisable since it leads to indigestion, and that in turn causes various disorders. It is said that, one should eat with mindfulness. What we think while eating impacts on our psychology. The nature of foods to be taken according to one’s body constitution [prakrithi] , Ashta Ahara vidhi[ eight rules of eating] etc are explained.
Ritucharya are the regimens that are mentioned specifically for each season. The diet and practices differ in each season that helps in maintaining health. Knowledge of
these will help to get rid of the prone diseases in grass root level itself.
Similarly, Ratri charya , that is the regimens during night time are mentioned. It is told about the quantity of food to be consumed, the type of food, etc. Nidra [sleep] is one of the Trayopasthamba[three supporting pillars] and is being described in terms of quality and quantity.
In this way, there are several ideas mentioned to keep one healthy in terms of prevention. To cure the already manifested diseases, there are several modes of treatment explained in Ayurveda through
Shamana {pacification by medicines}
Shodhana{expelling /cleansing body with Panchakarma}
Raktamokshana{Bloodletting therapy}
Agnikarma and Kshara karma {cauterisation techniques}