According to Ayurvedic medicine, every person reflects a distinct nature which is influenced by three basic doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha.
The basic characteristics of Vata are interchangeability, unpredictability, variation in body shape and size, and in character and action.
Pitta has a quick intelligence and sharpness, and can be very critical or passionate with short and explosive anger. Pitta eats and sleeps regularly, and loves the sun but suffers from heat and disturbances in gastrointestinal duodenum.
The fundamental characteristic of Kapha is relaxation. Kapha is solid, heavy, strong, with a slow digestion. Kapha generally digest, eat and act slowly, they sleep a lot and deeply, and tend to be stubborn, they high level of cholesterol, obesity and allergies.
According to Ayurveda (as well as Chinese medicine), it is the person who must be treated, not the disease. Two people with similar symptoms maybe treated differently by the Ayurvedic physician as they are two different individuals who possess different natures and have different constitutions. Most human beings are composed of several doshas or characteristics whose proportions vary. It is the imbalance of these doshas which causes health problems.
Tackling Imbalances
The methods taught by Ayurveda to overcome mental stress or imbalance are:
- meditation
- cures of purification
- aromatherapy
- music therapy
- dietary supplements containing herbs and minerals
- physical and breathing exercises based on knowledge of yoga
- use of colours that help to soothe the mind, relieve stress and reconnect with your inner depths
- jogging and sweating
- receiving more affection
- therapeutic massages
- purging
- walking in a gentle breeze or in a forest, a seaside or in any other calm place with a natural surrounding
- swimming
- fasting
- observing the rules of hygiene. This is a cultural value advocated by Ayurveda. A healthy life is one of hygienic living that requires regular bathing, brushing the teeth, skin care, cleaning eyes and body massage with essential oils.
Daily Routine According to Ayurveda
To maintain health and well-being, people can base their daily routines on Ayurvedic principles. Following is a sample of a daily routine based on these ideas:
Before going to work:
- Wake up early (if possible, before sunrise).
- Drink two or three glasses of copper water or a big glass of mineral water.
- Rub your eyes and face gently with your hand.
- Go to the bathroom.
- Rinse the mouth with sesame oil.
- Clean the teeth, tongue, eyes, face and nose.
- Dry massage yourself for five to 30 minutes.
- Perform some physical exercises.
- Take a cool shower in the hot season and a warm one in winter, with a gentle floral-scented soap.
- Once purified, practice some Hatha yoga or breathing exercises which lead to calmness.
- Meditate for a few minutes.
- Have a healthy breakfast.
- Get dressed and go to work.
During the day:
- Work without stressing or losing your patience.
- Have a balanced and nourishing lunch.
- If possible, take a short nap ( 15 minutes).
- Do bring work problems into your home at the end of the day.
During the evening:
- Perform artistic or creative work or practice a sport.
- Have contact with nature (gardening, watering plants, walk in a garden or by the sea, river, mountain or park).
- Take a refreshing shower.
- Prepare a light balanced dinner.
- Take part in cultural, familial, religious or social activities.
- Do some self-reflection, try to learn how to move ahead in life and remove any obstacles.
- Dim the lights or light some candles and relax with a good book or peaceful music and sleep.
Basic Rules for Good Sleep
Ayurvedic medicine recommends the following for healthy, peaceful sleep:
- The stress of the day should be kept under control.
- We must avoid overworking or making our mind and body excessively tired.
- We must do physical exercises to promote good circulation positive energy, improve our respiration and eliminate our stress completely.
- We must take a simple light dinner three or four hours before bedtime.
- Relaxation exercises are necessary before sleep. The bedroom must be clean, quiet and clear. We must create a peaceful atmosphere with few natural objects of decoration that reflect beauty and purity.
- In bed, the head should be oriented towards the East or South.
- The mattress should be hard enough and the pillow soft and not too high, to relax the neck.
- Before bedtime, it is best to avoid watching violent movies. Avoid programmes which deals with problems, anger or sadness.
- To sleep, the mind must be absolutely calm and free from all the day's problems. We must feel a state of inner well-being and deep calm.
Basic Rules for Good Nutrition
For Ayurveda, food is very important because the reason for illness is due to improper or poor diet. The theory is simple: If food is healthy and balanced, we will not need any medication.
It is important to distinguish between nourishing and harmful foods. Poor nutrition creates health problems and stress, while a balanced diet keeps us healthy and in good spirits. It is also recommended to follow the golden rules as follows:
- Eat when hungry.
- Drink a lot of water to eliminate toxins.
- Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid excessive intake of fried and sweet foods.
These are the basic rules which help us to keep our mind in harmony with our body. They enhance good functioning of our metabolism and the elimination of toxins (which actually create imbalance and make us sick). If we set and follow these rules every day, our mental health will be strengthened and we will gain peace.
These simple rules of Ayurveda helps us to organize our lifestyle in a better way and to overcome the daily stress at work or at home. It is not only important to adopt these rules to make our lives better, but also to learn how to cook nourrishing food with spices which preserve our health in so many different ways. Watch out the following recipies for lentil soup (coming soon), fish curry, coconut laddo, and learn how to protect yourself from cough and cold during autumn.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Pascal Marion - Author, independent researcher, responsible of Terres d'Asie.
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