What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the branch of alternative medicine or health science that includes the ancient methods of medicine of India. It is the health system that millions of people refer to today.

Ayurveda, also known as Ayurvedic medicine, is an ancient, alternative and natural health system that originated in India. It is stated that Ayurveda, which literally means “life knowledge”, is based on spiritual knowledge. It is also known as preventive or preventive medicine. It is based on the “Vedic” culture of India. Ayurveda, one of the most sophisticated and powerful systems of mind and body health in the world, was developed by ancient Indian scholars. Ayurveda, a life science other than treating disease, contains information designed to help people stay healthy. It tries to help people realize the upper limit of their human abilities. Its basic principle is “physical and mental balance”.

Ayurveda, which determines the ideal body type of the person, tries to determine the source of the imbalances and offers suggestions that include restoring the balance by finding the source of the symptoms that create the imbalance. Ayurvedic experts are often referred to preserving health before you get sick, not after you get sick. Today, it has turned into a large commercial sector that millions of people apply to. Ayurvedic recommendations generally include recommended practices for healthy living. You can find the details in our article.

History of Ayurveda

Ayurveda includes surviving parts of various medical practices practiced in India’s deep-rooted past. It is not known exactly when, how and by whom it was introduced or developed. It is believed to have a history of 5000 years. India’s medical history It goes back to 3000’s. Various treatment methods are mentioned in some texts estimated to have been compiled between 1200-700 BC.

It was developed in the middle of the 1000 BC. It parallels the philosophies of Sankhya and Vaiseṣika, as well as Buddhism and Jainism. It is estimated that it was developed by monks looking for ways to have a healthy body. Monks have been trying to achieve physical and spiritual balance by meditating for years; It is believed that they developed the science of Ayurveda by transferring the results they obtained with the methods they tried to the next generations.

There are also those who believe that Ayurveda is the revelation of the Indian God Brahma. This belief is based on Vedic philosophy. It is believed to have been transmitted from Brahma to Daksha Prajapati and from him to Indra, the patron god of Dharma. According to the rumor, the first person Ayurveda reached was Bharadvaja and he learned Ayurvedic knowledge directly from the god Indra. Bharadvaja, to a group of sages; scholars also conveyed “mysterious health information” to their students, and the Ayurveda system was ensured to reach today. According to the belief, Ayurveda first appears in “lost texts” called “Agnivesh Tantra”. Apart from these texts, which were edited by Charaka and named “Charaka Samhita”, they were written in BC.

This book was compiled by Dhanvantri Sushrut, known as the father of Ayurvedic surgical practices. There are also references to Ayurvedic practices in the texts called “Atharva Veda”, which is one of the very old texts. These texts contain hymns and matras praising herbs and various herbs. These hymns are presumed to form the basis of alternative medicine practices. Ayurvedic practices were also developed during Buddhist times. There are also traces of Ayurvedic texts in ancient Greek medicine. It is stated that Hippocrates also benefited from Ayurvedic medicine practices.

Features

Ayurveda; It is a system of medicine applied in the form of health protection, disease prevention and treatment. In Ayurvedic texts, it is stated that people consist of three different bodies. These; The physical body is the mental body and the spiritual body. According to Ayurveda, it is possible to be protected from diseases as long as these bodies work in harmony and balance. Diseases are caused by physical, mental and spiritual imbalances; These imbalances can be eliminated by changing lifestyles, diets and herbs.

Some of the features of Ayurvedic medicine are as follows;

Spiritual, mental and bodily balance is the basis of being healthy.
The body or body type (dosha), digestive temperature (agni), seven body tissues of a healthy person There is a balance between (dhatu) and bodily wastes (mala).
According to Ayurveda, each person is unique and their lifestyles and eating habits differ.
Ayurvedic guides are needed to achieve and maintain physical and spiritual balance.
The best medicine; it is a lifestyle and a dietary habit.
Mind and body are inextricably linked, and nothing has more power to heal or transform body and mind.
Balance one’s self-awareness to be free from disease. There is a need to keep the balance and then spread the balance throughout the body.
Since the mind and body are inseparable, the body can naturally be balanced by the practice of meditation.
Peaceful awareness created through meditation slows your heart rate and breathing and reduces the production of stress hormones.< strong>

Dosha (Dosha) System

Dosha or dosha is defined as the “biological energy” in the body and mind.

Doshas consist of five factors; space (ether), air, water, fire, earth… Ayurveda divides the body according to three main dosha types or principles. This system, commonly called “dosha”, classifies bodies as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Let’s take a look at these energy classes:

Vata; is the principle of space and air; It is the energy that activates the nervous system function. It also manages functions such as blood circulation, respiration, heartbeat, and blinking. Vata represents balance, vitality. If this balance is disturbed, fears and anxiety may arise. Vata-dominated people have a high learning ability. They are usually thin and tall. They are uncomfortable with the cold, they walk fast, they are energetic, they do not sweat much, their skin and hair are dry, their moods are changeable.
Pitta; is the principle of fire and water; regulates the digestive system. It is the energy that governs functions such as food intake, absorption and body temperature. Pitta balance focuses on understanding things easily and being content with everything. If this balance is disturbed, anger emerges and diseases such as ulcers arise. Pitta energy dominant people are intelligent and strong people.They have entrepreneurial spirit, high self-confidence, they like to compete and challenge. Under stress, they become anxious and irritable. If the balance is disturbed, they become aggressive and aggressive. They do not like hot climates and environments. He has leadership qualities. They experience problems such as ulcers, heartburn and insomnia.
Kapha; it is the principle that reflects the qualities of water and soil; transports nutrients to the circulatory system. It makes the body grow. The body moisturizes the skin by carrying water and protects the immune system. Kapha balance creates love and compassion. If the balance is disturbed, jealousy and distrust arise. People with a dominant Kapha energy have a strong and solid body. They are comfortable and calm. Their speech is slow and their reaction is heavy. They are merciful and forgiving. They do not like cold and humid environments. They experience ailments such as sinusitis, asthma and allergies.

According to the dosha system, each person has these three dosha energies. One or two of the doshas are more dominant. Each dosha is believed to function in harmony with lifestyles such as diet. According to the doshas, ​​the character and physiological characteristics of the person, the things he likes, and his ailments change. Physicians identify the dominant dosha with their unique diagnostic methods and direct the person to a lifestyle suitable for his dosha.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Illnesses in Ayurvedic medicine; It is diagnosed by eye, by hand and by questioning the patient. In the examination, first of all, the pulse is diagnosed. Then, factors such as stool, tongue, eye, skin, speech, voice, general body appearance of the patient, digestive capacity, personal habits and resistance are examined and scrutinized. Symptoms related to the disease are also observed with various tests. In the treatment, the patient is directed to some applications to remove the unbalanced elements according to the dominant doshas. For example; Medicinal plants are used, food arrangements are encouraged, lifestyle changes are requested, and psychological support is provided for mental health. Plant-based treatments in Ayurveda are derived from the root, leaves, fruit, bark, seeds such as cardamom and cinnamon. Animal products used in Ayurveda include milk, bone, and gallstones. Consumption of certain minerals is also envisaged, including sulfur, arsenic, lead, copper sulfate and gold. Adding minerals to herbal medicine is called “rasa shastra”.

Ayurvedic Recommendations

Some of the suggestions that can be applied to benefit from the Ayurvedic approach and protect health are as follows;

Identify your unique mind-body type and the specific needs that derive from it: Ayurveda is a personalized approach to health and awareness of mind-body type; It allows you to make the best choices about diet, exercise, supplements and all other aspects of your lifestyle.

Eat a nutritious diet: Get nutritious foods for a healthy body and mind. Ideal nutrition is to consume a variety of fresh foods that are consciously prepared and eaten. Take Ayurvedic flavors at every meal for a balanced diet. These flavors are; It should contain sweet, salty, sour, sharp and bitter. In this way, you ensure that all food groups and nutrients are represented in your body.Blue, purple, red, green or orange colored foods are antioxidants and contain many health-promoting vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system.

Get a restful sleep: According to Ayurveda, sleep is the nurse of humanity. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates itself. A lack of restful sleep disrupts the innate balance of the body, weakens the immune system and accelerates aging. People generally need six to eight hours of restful sleep each night. Sleeping in a dark environment is one of the most important factors for the balance of mind and body.

Live in harmony with nature: Actually, what you need is to live in harmony with nature. In balance you naturally desire only health and nutrients; You move in harmony with your body’s natural rhythms, you have a restful sleep, and you evaluate your emotions. If you are out of tune with nature, you crave junk food, avoid sleep and exercise, and are subject to compulsive behavior.

Listen to your body: The body constantly signals comfort and discomfort.If your body sends a comfort signal, it’s fine. While the mind lives in the past and the future, the body resides in the present and never doubts itself. He knows the truth and guides you towards the best choice.

Keep the digestive system strong: A healthy body according to Ayurveda; It depends on nutrition and the ability to fully metabolize emotional and sensory information. When the digestive energy known as agni (heat) is intact, healthy tissues are produced, waste is eliminated efficiently and a fine essence called “oja” is produced. Ojas are seen as the source of vitality. Ojas are the basis of perception, physical strength and immunity. If your agnin is weakened, digestion is inadequate, causing a buildup of harmful residues.

Review your eating habits: Do not eat while standing, in front of the TV or computer, and while driving. Always sit down and eat. Eat your meals slowly. Do not stuff your stomach; So don’t eat until you’re full. Choose cooked foods rather than raw foods. Try to eat ginger all day long, drink warm water.

Pay attention to love: You exert less effort when your actions are motivated by love; because nature stands with the energy of love.When your actions are motivated by love, your energy expands and accumulates. So turn to love.

Exercise and meditate: Try exercise and meditation for emotional and physical balance. Transcendental meditation technique is a recommended meditation method for Ayurvedic lifestyle.

Get a massage: One of the most important Ayurvedic practices is massages with various oils. Ayurveda expert masseurs can make your body feel different!

Brief Facts About Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the oldest known health It is the science of prevention. Ayurveda is among the complementary health systems of the World Health Organization.
The word “Ayurveda” is a word derived from the combination of the words “ayur” and “veda” in Sanskrit. “Ayur”, “life” and “life principle”; “Goodbye” means “knowledge”. Ayurveda means “science of life” or “science of life”. There is no medicine in Ayurvedic treatment methods; only a variety of medicinal herbs can be used.In fact, some doctors do not consider Ayurveda as an alternative medicine method. Ayurveda is widely used in Sri Lanka and Nepal, especially in India today. There are also traces of Ayurveda in medical practices in Tibet and China. According to some sources, about 80 percent of people in India use Ayurvedic medicine practices and methods.
India There are about 200 training centers in Ayurvedic medicine in Nepal. Ayurveda is the most prestigious form of medicine in Nepal. 75 percent of the people use traditional Ayurvedic medicine methods. A Ministry of Medicine was established in 1980 to revive Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. There are also Ayurveda departments in the medical faculties of universities in the country. There are more than 60 Ayurvedic hospitals and more than 200 Ayurvedic dispensaries in Sri Lanka.