Legacy signals
Legacy popularity: 1,241 legacy views
Ayurveda - ‘Ayu’ means life, and ‘veda’ means science or knowledge
Ayurveda is a science of life thousands of years old. Its purpose is maintaining and enhancing heatlh and treating illness comprehensively. Ayurveda defines the body constitution according to the three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha.rnThe dosha can be defined as what easily imbalanced. Usually people are combinations of the doshas, but with one predominant type. Every type is treated individually in the Ayurvedic medicine. People are treated with proper diet, herbs, yoga, massage treatments, music and exercise. rnAchieving the balance of the body and mind with suitable treatments, which also contributes to health and healing is the most important goal.
Ayurveda and Beauty
In Ayurveda the health of the skin speaks of the wellbeing of the body and mind. The skin and the body are treated differently according to the season. Ayurveda instructs us in treating the skin with different oils, herbal extracts and herbs that have been found to enhance the wellbeing of the skin.
rnThree things that enhance the wellbeing of the skin and body
1. Following a healthy diet
2. Getting enough rest
3. Practicing the balance of the body and mind
The Ayurveda constitutions i.e. doshas
VATA: the air and ether element. The vata type may suffer from constipation, insomnia, pains and different symptoms of nervous system as well as phobias. The typical vata skin is dry, especially during the winter.
PITTA: the fire and water element. The typical pitta problems may include gastric ulcer, premature baldness, anger and hatred. The pitta skin is normal or combination, easily irritated and may show redness.
KAPHA: the water element. The kapha type gathers fluids and excess weight. Problems in the sinuses and lungs are also common. The kapha skin is more prone to greasiness and oiliness.
Ayurveda is a comprehensive life style treatment and its goal is a longer, healthier and more energetic life. The Ayurveda wisdom has been tested for thousands of years and it still remains same.
Ayurvedic general diet principles
Each dosha has their own special diet recommendations to balance and nourish. Climate and seasons affect on dosha diets. Here we are giving some general principles.
1. Eat pure and organic food near from your home. The quality of the food affects us a lot deeper way than just in physical level. Avoid food with pesticides, synthetic preservatives and hormones. Milk you drink should be organic and from the cows raised under gentle conditions. This is the same thing with the meat you eat. Try to get proteins from vegetable food and eat more lentils and beans.
2. Avoid food like: tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant. They contain solanines which affect to nervous system. They also dehydrate the joints and worsen arthiritis. If you do eat these food, you should use turmeric to lessen the effects.
3. Consume warm or hot water before or during meals to aid digestion.
4. Eat in moderation carbohydrates, proteins. Eat variety of fruits and vegetables.
5. Avoid white sugar and use honey or other natural sweetener.
6. Use cold pressed organic oils, especially if you are vata type. Clarified butter Ghee will give a good flavor to vegetables and it helps digest the nutrients. One teaspoon of clarified butter shoud not raise your cholesterol.
7. Avoid alcohol and coffee, especially during the meals.
8. Eat your main meal at lunchtime and a light supper a few hours before you go to bed. Eat when you are hungry and not by the clock. Be thankful for the food and avoid watching TV while eating.
9. Avoid eating if you are upset, wait when you calm down.
10. Prepare the food with good spirit and love. Ayurveda believes that the emotions and thoughts of the cook become part of the food.
11. Do not eat microwaved food. Food should be unprocessed and warm.
12. Do not sleep right after eating. It would be good to leave a few hours between. After lunch you may lie down for a few minutes on your left side and take a walk in the evening after supper. It will do good to your digestion.
Ayurveda in everyday lifernGeneral Principles
1. Sleep at least 7-8 hours. You should be up before sun rises and asleep by 10pm.
2. Elimination of waste products is important. At least one bowel movement a day is good. First thing in the morning drink room temperature glass of water with half lemon squeezed in. This will activate your digestion.
3. Practise yoga, face towards the east. Regular pranayama breathing practises is also good. End your yoga practise to meditation.
4. Clean your teeth and tongue. After taking a shower in the morning you may massage body oil on your skin. If yo want you may do a light massage before taking a shower.
5. Love, enjoy and care for your relationships.
6. Get out in the fresh air every day for at least 20 minutes. Take a walk or enjoy your lunch outdoors.
7. Drink boiled water throughout the day. Boil the water for 10 minutes and let it cool down. This is inexpensive and easy way to balance all three doshas. The boiling is an energetic treatment than purifying.
8. Watch TV in moderation and prefer good programs that will give you a good feeling.
9. Sexual relations twice a week can enhance spirituality. You should obey your natural urges while in balanced state.
10. Moderation in exercise.
Marjo Rautaojarnwww.ilonia.com